













THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW 


a KbuI. 


, BY 

Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., 

Author of “ The Outcast of Milan f Rollo of Normandy 
“ The Scourge of Damascus f “ The Conspirator of Cor* 
dovaf The Fortunes of Conrad f “ The Robber Counts 
essf “ The Royal Outlaw f “ The Bandit of Syra^^ 
cusef Roderick of Kildare f Karl the 

Lionf The Caliph of Bagdad f “ The 
Spectre's Secret f A lark, or the 

Tyrant's Vault," “ The Knight's 
Motto f etc.f etc. 



> > 
> ) ) 



new YORK: 

G, TV. Dillingham Co.y Publishers ^ 





<s^ 


BQt«r«(l aeoor^in^r to Act of Conpress, In tb« year 1656, 

Bt ROBERT BONNER, 

hi tbo Clark’s OfBce of t^e District Court of the Sontbera Diitrtot 

r*iJew York. 


wintered according to Act of ConCTOss, In the year 1850, 

Br ROBERT BONNER, 

tc the Clark’s OfBce of the District Court of the Southern Dietrtct 

of New York, 


Entered nccordinpr to Act of Conirress. In the year 1890, 
Bt ROBERT BONNER, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washlmcton. 


Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1886, 

BT ROBERT BONNER’S SONS, 

( < 

in the Office of the Llbran'c^n of Congress, at Weshlngteci- 




TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


Chapter fag* 

I. The Gunmaker asd the Monk 7 

II. A Strange Proceeding 17 

III. Love 27 

IV. The Challenge 38 

V. The Duel 48 

VI. Before the Emperor 69 

VII. A Startling Trial 68 

VIII. The Mask Falls from a Villain’s Face 79 

IX. The Mask F.\i>ls and Reveals the Heart 89 

X. A Strange Discovery ' . . . . 98 

XI. An Astounding Affair 108 

XII. A Conference, and How it was Interrupted.. 120 

Xni. The Plotter is at Work 128 

XIV. The Mystic Tribunal 137 

XV. What Happened at the Duke’s Bath 147 

XVI. Thwarted, but not Subdued 157 

XVII. Transactions of a Night 165 

XVIII. Strange and Complicated 175 

XIX. Conclusion 186 



THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


CHAPTEB I. 

THE GUNMAKER AND THE MONK. 

The time at which we open our story is mid-winter 
and towards the close of the seventeenth century. 
Russia had passed through the long and bitter ordeal 
of national Night. The Tartar yoke had been worn 
till the very bones of the nation were galled ; and when 
this was thrown off civil dissensions and insurrections 
commenced. The Poles and Swedes plundered the 
country, and amid general tumult and confusion some 
half dozen men were clamoring for the throne. At 
length a few patriotic citizens, pledging everything they 
held dear on earth to the cause of freedom from this 
curse of anarchy, and headed by a noble prince and an 
Immble, patriotic butcher, made a bold stand to save 
the country. Moscow was retaken, and Michael Ro- 
manoff was chosen Czar; and this illustrious family 
still occupies the imperial throna And now the day 
of Russian greatness dawned; but the sun was not 
fairly up — the broad light opened not Vipim ihm em*- 
pire — until Peter came to the throne. 


8 


TH-E GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 

In the department of the Sloboda— the suburbs of 
Moscow — and very near the river Moskwa, stood an 
humble cot, the exterior of which betrayed a neatness 
of arrangement and show of taste that more than made 
up for its smallness of size. Nor was it so very small 
in fact, but only in contrast ; for near at hand about it 
stood many large, shabby, dirty-looking structures that 
overlooked the prim cot, as bleak mountains may look 
down upon a verdant hill. And within, this cot was as 
neat as without. The two apartments in front, one of 
which was only used in winter, were furnished not 
only with neatness, but with a fair show of ornament 
and luxury. Back of these were a large cooking and 
dining-room, and two small bed-rooms ; and back still 
from these was an artisan’s shop, and other out-build- 
ings. This shop was devoted to the manufacture of 
firearms, mostly. Some swords, and other edged wea- 
pons, were made here upon special application. 

The gunmaker no’vf stood by his forge, watching the 
white smoke as rt curled up towards the throat of the 
clximney. He Tvas h, young man, not over three-and- 
twenty, and possessed a frame’ of more than ordinary 
symmetry and muscular development. He was not 
large — not above medium size — but a single glance at 
the swelling chest, the broad shoulders, and the sinewy 
ridges of the bare arms, told at once that he was master 
of great physical power. His features were regular, yet 
strongly marked, and eminently handsome ; his brow, 
which was full and high, was half covered by the light 
browiiv curia that waved over it ; while his eyes, which 
were of a bright, brilliant, deep gray in color, lent a 
east of genius to the intellect of tlie' brow. His name 


i 


f 


V 


THE OUNMAKER AND ^PHE MONK. 9 

was Ruric Nevel. His father had been killed in the 
then late war with the Turks, and the son, leaving his 
mother vdth a sufficiency of sustenance, went to Spain 
soon after the bereavement. There he found work in 
the most noted armories ; and now, well versed in the 
trade, he had returned to his native city to foUow his 
calling, and support his mother. 

Near by stood a boy — Paul Peepon — a bright intel- 
ligent lad, some fifteen, years of age, who had bound 
himself to the gunmaker for the purpose of learning the 
art. His hair and his eyes were darker than his mas- 
ter’s, and if he possessed not so much sound intellect, 
he did surely possess an unwonted degree of keen, quick 
^vit, and a principle of unswerving integrity. 

The sun had been some time below the horizon, and the 
only light of any consequence that made things partially 
visible within the shop came from the dull blaze of the 
coals on the forge, as Paul aver and anon boro down 
upon the brake that moved the bellows. Suddenly 
Ruric started back from the forge as his mind broke 
from the deep reverie into which he had fallen, and 
having bade his boy to see that matters were all prop- 
erly disposed for the night, he turned towards the door, 
and was soon in the kitchen, where his mother had sup- 
per all prepared and set out. 

Claudia Nevel was a noble-looking woman, and the 
light of her still handsome countenance was never 
brighter than when gazing upon her boy. She had 
seen the snows of fifty winters, and if they had left 
some silver upon her head, and some age-marks upon 
her face, the sunshine of full as many summers had left 


10 


THE QUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


her “with a tkanMol, loTing heart, and a prayeiM, kop^^ 
f ul s©nL 

It is snowing again, faster than ever,” remarked Paul, 
as he took his seat at the table. 

“ Ah,” returned Euric, resting his knife a few moments 
while he bent his ear to listen to the voice of the storm, 
“ I had hoped ’twould snow no more for the present. 
The snow is deep enough now. And how it blows ! ” 

“ Never mind,” spoke the dame, in a trustful, easy 
tone, “ it must storm when it listeth, and we can only 
thank God that we have shelter, and pray for those who 
have none.” 

Amen ! ” responded Euric, fervently. 

After this the trio remained some minutes silent, 
seeming to be busy in listening to the storm-notes that 
came pealing about the cot. The ydnd was high, and 
the snow now came dashing upon the windows with a 
dreary, melancholy sound. The meal was at length 
eaten, and the table set back, and shortly afterwards 
Paul retired to his bed. It was his wont to retire 
early, for he rose betimes to build the fires and pre- 
pare for the labors of the day. 

Euric drew his chair close up to the fireplace, and 
leaning against the jamb he bowed his head and pon- 
dered again. This had become a habit with him of late. 
Sometimes he would sit thus during a whole hour with- 
out speaking, or even moving, and his mother did not 
interrupt him, as she supposed he might be solving 
some mechanical problem that had arisen to bother 
him. But these fits of thought had become too fre- 
quent, too lengthy, and too moody for such a hypothesis, 
and the good woman was forced to believe that they 


THE GUNMAKER AND THE MONK. 


11 


were caused by something more remote than the busi- 
ness of the forge or the lathe. The youth now sat with 
his brow resting upon his hand, and his eyes bent upon 
the hearth. For half an hour he had not moved, and 
his face wore an anxious, troubled look. 

‘‘ Ruric, my son,” spoke the mother, at length, in a 
low, kind tone, “ what is it that occupies your thoughts 
so much ?” 

The young man started and turned his gaze upon his 
mother. 

“ Did you speak to me, my mother ?” he asked, after 
having recalled his mind to things about him. 

“ Yes, my boy,” she said. “ I did speak to you. I 
asked you what it was that occupied your thoughts.” 

As she spoke thus she moved her seat close to where 
Ruric sat, and placed her hand upon his arm. 

“ Tell me, my boy,” she added, in a low, persuasive 
tone, “ what it is that dwells thus upon your mind.” 

Ruric reached out and took his mother’s hand, and 
having gazed for some moments into her face, he said : 

‘‘ I was thinking — and I have been thinking much of 
late, my mother — of — of — Rosalind Yaldai.” 

Claudia Novel started as she heard that name, and 
for the while the color forsook her cheeks. 

** What, my dear boy — what of her have you thought ?” 
she asked tremulously. 

“ What, but of one thing could I think, my mother ? 
You have seen her ? ” 

Yes, Ruric.” 

** And you have marked Idie grace — loireliiieit*-- 
the «tii|)a«sing beauty of the noble girl ? ” 


12 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


I kmow she is beautiful, mj son ; and also that she 
is good — ^at least, so I think.” 

“ Then what but love could move me with deep 
thought of her ? Oh, my mother, I do love her. I love 
her with the whole strength of my heart and soul.” 

“ Alas, my Kuric, she will never dare love thee.” 

“ You know not that,” the youth quickly replied, his 
eyes burning deeply, and his open brow flushing. Did 
I not know she loved me, be sure I would never have 
allowed my thoughts such range. We were children 
together, and even then we loved. Fate has dealt dif- 
ferently by us in the years that have passed since those 
childhood times ; but yet I am sure her love for me is 
not changed, save as increasing age must change all the 
emotions of our natures into deeper, stronger lights and 
shades.” 

But think, my boy : You, a mere artisan ; she, the 
offspring of nobility and the ward of a duke — a stern, 
cold, proud aristocrat, who looks upon people of our 
station only as harsh masters look upon their beasts of 
burden. I fear you will find little else but misery in 
such a course of thought.” 

“ At least, my mother, I will see Rosalind ; and if 
she loves me as I love her, and if she would accept my 
hand—” 

Hush, my boy. Do not cherish such hopes. Why 
should she mate with thee when the richest nobles of 
the land would kneel for her hand ? ” 

“ Hold,” cried Ruric, starting to his feet — his hand- 
some face flushed, and his bright eye burning. “ Speak 
not thus, — at least, not now. I flatter not myself, but 
I claim a soul as pure, and a heart as noble, as any man 


THE GUNMAKER AND THE MONK. 


13 


in the land. My mind is as clear ; my hopes ar© as 
high ; my ambition as true to real greatness, and my 
will as firm, as any of them. If Kosalind seeks the love 
of a true heart, and the protection of stout arms and 
determined success, then I fear not to place myself by 
the side of any suitor in the land. But if she seeks im- 
mediate wealth, and the glitter for some high-sounding 
title, then — ah, I know she does not. But let it pass 
now ; I will see her.” ^ 

Claudia would not oppose the wishes of her son, and 
she said no more upon the subject. For a while nothing 
further was said, until Ruric remarked upon the increas- 
ing force of the storm. 

“ Hark!” exclaimed his mother, bending her ear in a 
listening attitude. “ Was that a knock upon our 
door?” 

“ Surely no one is out on such a night that could 
seek shelter here,” continued Ruric. “ You must 
have — ” 

The youth did not finish his sentence, for at that 
moment the knock came so loud that it was not to be 
mistaken. The youth caught up the candle and hast- 
ened to the door. He opened it, but the blast came 
roaring in, whirling a cloud of snow into Rurio’s face, 
and extinguishing the light at once. 

“ Is there any one here ?” the gunmaker asked, bow- 
ing his head and shielding his eyes from the driving 
snow with one hand. 

“ Yes,” returned a voice from the Stygian darkness:^ 

In Heaven’s name let me in, or I shall perish.” 

Then follow quickly,” said Ruric. “ Here, give me 
your hand. There — now come.” 


14 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


The youth found the thickly-gloved hand — gloved 
^dth the softest fur — and having led the invisible ap- 
phcant into the hall, he closed the door, and then led 
the way into the kitchen. As soon as the candle was 
re-lighted Rune turned and gazed upon the new-comer. 
He was a monk — and habited something like one of the 
Black Monks of St. Michael. He was of medium 
hight, and possessed a rotundity of person which was 
comical to behold. He was fat and unwieldy, and 
v/addled about with laughable steps. His huge, black 
robe, which reached from his chin to his toes, was se- 
cured about the waist with a sash of the same color, 
and the snow, which lay upon his shoulders and back, 
presented a striking contrast. Ruric brushed away the 
snow with his own hand, and having taken his visitor’s 
thick fur bonnet, the latter took a seat near the fire. 

Before a word was spoken, the youthful host care- 
fully examined his guest’s features ; and the latter 
seemed equally desirous of discovering what manner of 
people he had fallen in with. The monk’s face was a 
peculiar one. The features were very dark and promi- 
nent, and almost angular in their strongly-marked 
outhnes. His brow was very fair in mental development, 
and his eyes were dark and brilliant. The slight circle 
of hair that escaped from beneath the tight skull-cap 
which he retained upon his head, was somewhat tinged 
with silver, though his face did not betray such ad- 
vanced age as this silvery hair would seem to indicate. 

“ You have been caught in a severe storm, good 
father/’ said the youth, after his guest had somewhat 
recovered from the effects of the cold. 

" Aye — that have I, my son,” the monk returned, in a 


THE GUNMAKER AND THE MONK. 


15 


deop, laaaablmg tone, I left tlio Kramlin this morning, 
little thinking of such a change. This storm has eom- 
meneed since I started on my return. About half a 
mile from here my horse got foundered in the snow, and 
I left him with an honest peasant, and then started to 
make the rest of my way on foot; but I reckoned 
wildly. The driving storm blinded me, and the piling 
drifts swallowed me up at every dozen steps. My body 
is not very well adapted to such work. Ha, ha ha! 
But I saw your light, and I determined to seek shelter 
here for the night. By St. Michael, but this is a most 
severe storm ! yet you are comfortable here.” 

“ Aye, father, we try to be comfortable,” said Kuric. 
My mother could hardly survive a winter in some of 
the dwellings which stand hereabouts.” 

The monk made no answer to this save a sort of com- 
mendatory nod ; and shortly afterwards the youth 
asked : 

“ Do you belong here in the city, good father ? ” 

“ Aye — at present I do,” the monk replied. And then, 
with a smile, he added : “I suppose you would like to 
know whom you have thus received? My name is 
Vladimir, and my home is wherever I may chance to be 
on God’s heritage. At present I am residing here in 
Moscow. There — could you ask me to be more frank? ” 
Kuric smiled, but he made no direct reply. He was 
too deeply interested in the face of the monk to enter 
with much eagerness into conversation. At length the . 
guest asked if he could be accommodated with some 
sleeping-place, and being answered in the affirmative, 
the youth lighted another candle and oondueted him to 
a ehambfi whkh wae Igoated direotly orar tbd Mtohesi, 


16 


THE QHNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


and which was very well warmed by means of several 
iron tubes that connected with the furnace below. 

** Mother,” said Kuric, as soon as he had returned to 
the kitchen, “ who is that man? ” 

How should I know ? ” 

“ But have you never seen him before ? ” Rurio asked, 
in an earnest, eager tone. 

** I cannot tell, my son. His face most surely calls 
up some strange emotions in my mind, but I think 1 
never saw him before.” 

“ And yet he seems familiar to me,” the son resumed. 
“ Those eyes I surely have seen before, but to save my 
soul I cannot remember when or where.” 

And so Ruric pondered and pondered, but to no 
avail. After he had retired to his bed he lay awake 
and thought of the strange face ; and all through the 
night his dreams were but startling visions of th/^ Blaok 
MonL 


A STBANGE PROCEEDING. 


17 


CHAPTEK II. 

A STRANGE PROCEEDING. 

When Ruric came down in the morning he found the 
monk already there, and breakfast nearly ready. But 
little was said during the meal. The monk seemed 
busy with thoughts of his own, and Ruric was wholly 
engrossed in studying the strange man’s features, and 
pondering upon the various doubts and surmises that 
had entered his mind. After the meal was over the 
monk accompanied the gunmaker to his shop, and there 
he spent some time in examining the quaint articles of 
machinery that were used in the manufacture of arms. 

Ruric was engaged in finishing a pair of pistols, and 
for some minutes the monk had stood silently by his side 
watching his movements. At length the youth stopped 
in his work and laid the pistol down. 

Excuse me, good father,” he said, rather nervously, 
at the same time looking his visitor in the face ; but 1 
must ask you a question. Where have I seen you 
before ? ” 

“ How should 1 know ? ” the monk answered, with a 
smile. 

“Why,” resumed Ruric, with some hesitancy, “I^ 
knew not but that you might enlighten me. I have 
surely seen you somewhere.” 

“ And are there not hundreds whom you have seen 


! 


18 THE GUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 

in this great city — aye,, thousands — whom you might 
recognize as you recognize me ?” 

“ Ah — it may be so ; but not like this. There may be 
a thousand faces I would recollect to have seen, but not 
one of them would excite even a passing emotion in my 
soul. But your face calls up some powerful emotion — 
some startling memory of the past — which bothers me. 
Who are you, good father? What are you? Where 
have we met before ? Was it in Spain ?’’ 

** No,” said Vladimir, with a shake of the head. 
And then, with a more serious shade upon his face, he 
added — “ Let this pass now. I will not deny to you 
that there may be some grounds for your strange fan- 
cies ; but I assure you most sacredly that until last night 
I never came in direct companionship with you before ; 
— at any rate, not to my knowledge. You have acted 
the Good Samaritan towards me, and I hope I may 
some time return the favor.” 

“No, no,” quickly responded the youth ; “ if you re- 
turn it, then it will be a favor no more. I have only 
done for you what every man should do for his neigh- 
bor ; and so far from needing thanks for my services, I 
would rather give them for the occasion, for I know of 
no source of joy so pure and uncontaminated as that 
feeling in the soul which tells us we have done a good 
act.” 

The dark monk reached forth and took the youthful 
artisan’s hand, and, with more than ordinary emotion, 
said : 

“ You touch the harp-strings of the soul with a noble 
hand, my son ; and if any deed of kindness can give 
me joy it wiU be a deed for you. We may meet again^ 


A STRANGE PROCEEDING. 


19 


and until then I can only say, God bless and prosper 
thee.” 

With these words the monk turned away, and, ere 
Buric could command presence of mind enough to fol- 
low him, he had gone from the house. The youth 
wished to say something, but amid the varied emotions 
that went leaping through his mind he could gather no 
connected thoughts. 

After the monk had .gone Buric returned to his 
bench and resumed his work. He asked his boy if he 
had ever seen the strange man before, but Paul only 
shook his head, and answered dubiously. 

“ What do you mean ? ” the gunmaker asked, looking 
the boy in the face. “ Do you think you have seen 
him before ? ” 

I cannot tell, my master. I may have seen him 
before, and I may not. But surely you would not sup- 
pose that my memory would serve you better than 
your own.” 

Buric was not fully assured by this answer. He 
gazed into Paul’s face, and he fancied he detected some 
show of intelligence there which had not been spoken. 
But he resolved to ask no more questions at present. 
He had asked enough, he thought, upon such a sub- 
ject, and he made up his mind to bother himself no 
more about it, feeling sure that if his boy knew any- 
thing which would be for his master’s interest to know 
it would be communicated in due season. So he ap- 
plied himself anew to his work, and at noon the pistols ' 
were finished. 

Towards the middle of the afternoon, just as Buric 
had finished tempering some parts of a gun-lock, the 


20 


THE GUNMAEER OF MOSCOW. 


back door of his shop was opened and two men en- 
tered. They were young men, dressed in costly furs, 
and both of them stout and good-looking. The gun- 
maker recognized therd as the Count Conrad Damonoff 
and his friend Stephen Urzen. 

“ I think I speak with Kuric Nevel,” said the count, 
moving forward. 

' “ You do,” returned Ruric, not at all surprised at the 
visit, since people of all classes were in the habit of 
calling at his place to order arms. 

The count turned a shade paler than before, and his 
nether lip trembled ; but Ruric thought that might be 
the result of coming from the cold into a warm atmos- 
phere. However, he was soon undeceived, for the 
count’s next remark was significant. 

” You are acquainted with the Lady Rosalind Tal- 
dai ? ” he said. 

I am,” answered Ruric, now beginning to wonder. 

Well, sir,” resumed Damonoff, with much haughti- 
ness, “ perhaps my business can be quickly and satis- 
factorily settled. It is my desire to make the Lady 
Rosalind my wife.” 

Ruric Nevel started at these words, and he clasped 
his hands to hide their tremulousness. But he was not 
long debating upon an answer. 

“ And W'hy have you come to me with this inform- 
ation, sir ?” he asked. 

“ You should know that already. Do you not love 
the lady ?” 

“ Sir Count, you ask me a strange question. What 
right have you to question me upon such a theme ?” 

“ The right that every man has to pave the way for 


A STBANGE rROCEEDING. 


21 


his own rights,” replied Damonoflf, sharply. “ But if 
you choose not to answer, let it pass. I know you do 
love the lady. And now I ask you to renounce all claims 
to her hand.” 

“ Sir Count, your tongue runs into strange moods of 
speech. I renounce all claims to Kosalind Valdai’s 
hand ? — Was’t so you meant ?” 

“ Aye, sir — precisely so.” 

Perhaps you will inform me what claims I may have 
in that quarter,” Euric replied, with some tremulous- . 
ness in his tone, for the very subject was one that 
moved him deeply. 

“ Euric Nevel, you shall not say that I did not make 
myself fully understood, and hence I will explain.” The 
count spoke this as speaks a man who feels that he is 
doing a very condescending thing, and in the same tone 
he proceeded : “ The Lady Eosalind is of noble par- 
entage and very wealthy.' My own station and wealth 
are equal with hers — my station, at all events. She 
may possess the undivided right to more property than 
I do. But that matters not. I love her, and must 
have her for my wife. I have been to see the noble 
duke, her guardian, and he objects not to my suit. But 
he informed me that there was one impediment, and 
that w^as her love for you. He knows full well — as I 
know, and as all must know — that she could never be- 
come your wife ; but yet he is anxious not to interfere 
too much against her inclinations. So a simple denial 
from you, to the effect that you can never claim her* 
hand, is all that is necessary. You understand me, I 
trust. We seek this only for the fair lady’s own good. 
Of course, you must be aware that the duke would 


22 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


never consent to her union with you ; and yet he would 
wish to have your denial to show to Rosalind when he 
announces his decision. I have a paper here all drawn 
up, and all that will be necessary is simply your sig- 
nature. Here — it is only a plain, simple avowal on 
your part that you have no hopes nor thoughts of seek- 
ing the hand of the lady in marriage.” 

As the count spoke he drew a paper from the bosom 
of his marten doublet, and having opened it he handed 
it towards the gunmaker. But Uric took it not. He 
drew back and gazed the visitor sternly in the face. 

“ Sir Count,” he cried, in a tone full of noble indig- 
nation, “ what do you suppose I am? Do you mean to 
tell me that Olga, Duke of Tula, has commissioned you 
to obtain such a renunciation of me?” 

** Stephen,” spoke the count, turning to his compan- 
ion, you heard the instructions the duke gave me this 
morning ?” 

‘*Aye,” returned Urzen, directing his speech to 
Ruric. “ I did hear ; and you have stated the case 
plainly.” 

“ I may be as much surprised as yourself,” resumed 
the count, haughtily, at this strange taste of the duke. 
Why he should seek this signal from you I can only 
imagine upon his desire to call up no regrets in the 
bosom of his fair ward. He knows that she was once 
intimate with you, and that she now feels a warm friend- 
ship for you. For her sake he would have this signal 
from you.” 

But how for her sake ?” asked Ruric. 

** Why,” returned Damonoff, do you not se>e ? Ro- 
salind, in the simplicity of her heart, may think that 


A STRANGE PROCEEDING. 


2^ 


— that you might claim her love; aaad out of 
pure principl© grant it to you simply boeauso you wore 
the first claimant.” 

“ But I never claimed her love,” said Buric, warmly. 
“ If she loves me, she loves me from her own heart. 
With the noble duke I never spoke but once, and then 
he came here for me to temper his sword. If you 
would marry with the lady, do so ; and if you seek help 
in the work, seek it "from those who have some power 
in the matter.” 

You mistake, sir,” said the count, hotly. “I seek 
not power*" now. I only seek a simple word from one 
who may have some influence — even as a beggar, hav- 
ing' saved the life of a king, may, through royal grati- 
tude, wield an influence. Will you sign the paper ?” 

Now, all this seemed very strange to Buric, and he 
knew that there was something behind the curtain 
which he was not permitted to know. He knew the 
proud and stubborn duke well enough to know that he 
never would have sent such a message as this but for 
some design more than had yet appeared. In short, 
he could not understand the matter at all. It looked 
dark and complex ; such conduct was in direct conflict 
with the nature of the man from whom it now appeared 
to have emanated. Buric pondered upon this a few 
moments, and ho made up his mind that he would on 
no account yield an atom to the strange demand thus 
made upon him. 

“ Sir Count,” he said, calmly and firmly, “ you have 
plainly stated your proposition, and I will as plainly 
answer. I cannot sign the paper.” 


24 


THE GUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


gasped Damonoff, in quick passion. “Do 
you refuse ?” 

“ Most flatly.” 

For a few moments the count gazed into Ruric’s face, 
as though he doubted the evidence of his own senses. 

“ It is the duke’s command,” he said at length. 

“ The Duke of Tula holds no power of command over 
me,” was the gunmaker’s calm reply. 

“ Beware ! Once more I say : Sign this paper !” 

“You but waste your breath, Sir Count, in speaking 
thus. You have my answer.” 

“ By heavens ! Ruric Nevel, you shall sign this!” the 
count cried, madly. 

“ Never, sir.” 

“ But look you, sirrah 1 Here is my whole future of 
life based upon my hopes of union wdth this fair girl. 
Her guardian bids me get this paper of you ere I can 
have her hand. And now, do you think I’ll give it up 
so easily ? No ! I’ll have your name to this, or I’ll 
have your life !” 

“ Now, your tongue runs away with you. Sir Count. 
I have given you my answer. Be sure that only one 
man on earth can prevail upon me to place my name 
upon that paper.’' 

“ And who is he ? ” 

“ I mean the emperor.” 

“ But you will sign it ! ” hissed Damonoff, turning 
pale with rage. “ Here it is — sign 1 If you would live 
— sign I 

“Perhaps he cannot write,” suggested Urzen, con- 
tempt uously. 


A STRANGE PROCEEDING. 


25 


‘‘ Tken he may make his mark,” rejoined the count, 
in the same contemptuous tone. 

“ It might not require much more urging to induce 
me to make my mark in a manner not at all agreeable 
to you, sir,” the youth retorted, with his teeth now set, 
and the dark veins upon his brow starting more plainly 

V 

out. “ You have come upon my premises, and you have 
sought your purpose. You now have your answer, and 
for your own sake — for my sake — I beg you to leave 
me.” 

“ Not until your name is upon this paper ! ” cried 
Damonoff, shaking the missive furiously and crumpling 
it in his hand. 

“ Are you mad. Sir Count ? Do you think me a 
fool ? ” 

“ Aye — a consummate one.” 

“ Then,” returned Ruric, with a curl of utter con- 
tempt upon his finely-chiselled lip, “ you need have no 
further dealings with me. There is my door, sir.” 

For some moments Conrad Damonoff seemed unable 
to speak from very anger. He had surely some deep, 
anxious purpose in obtaining Ruric’s name to that 
paper ; and to be thus thwarted by a common artisan 
w^as maddening to one who, like him, based all his force 
of character upon his title. 

“ Sign ! ” he hissed. 

“ Fool ! ” cried Ruric, unable longer to contain him- 
self in view of such stupid persistence “ Do you seek 
a quarrel with m© ? ” 

“ Seek ? I seek what I will have. Will y©u siga V ^ 

“ One© more- — no I ” 


26 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


Then you shall know what it is to thwart such as 
me ! How’s that ? ” 

As these words passed from the count’s lips in a low, 
hissing whisper, he aimed a blow with his fist at Hunc’s 
heacL The gunmaker had not dreamed of such a das- 
tardly act, and he was not prepared for it. Yet he 
dodged it sufficiently to escape the mark upon his face, 
receiving the blow lightly upon the side of his head. 
But he stopped not to consider now. As the count 
drew back Burio dealt him a blow upon the brow that 
felled him to the floor. 

“ Beware, Stephen Urzen I ” he whispered to the 
count’s companion, as that individual made a movement 
as though he would come forward. I am not myself 
now, and you are safest where you are.” 

The man thus addressed viewed the gunmaker a few 
moments, and he seemed to conclude that he had bet- 
ter avoid a personal encounter, for his fists relaxed, and 
he moved to the side of his fallen friend and assisted 
him to his feet. 

Conrad Damonoff gazed into his antagonist’s face a 
few moments in silence. His face was deathly pale, 
and his whole frame quivered. Upon liis forehead there 
was a livid spot where he had been struck, but the skin 
was not broken. 

“ Buric Nevel,” he said, in a hissing, maddened tone, 
“ you will hear from me. The mad spirit of a ven- 
geance such as mine can overlook your plebeian stock.” 

And with this he turned away. 

“ Paul,” said the gunmaker, turning to his boy after 
the men had gone, “ not a word ©f this to my mother. 
Be sui’©,” 


LOVE. 


27 


CHAPTER in. 

LOVE. 

That night lluric Nevel had strange fancies while 
waking, and strange dreams while sleeping. Long and 
deeply did he ponder upon the strange business which 
had called Count Conrad to his shop, and in no way, 
under no light, could he see any reason for it. Why he, 
a youth v/ho had never spoken with the proud duke, 
save once on common business, and who was so far 
down in the social scale, should have been thus called 
upon to give a virtual consent to the bestowal of Rosa- 
lind Valdai’s^hand, was beyond his ken. He was but a 
poor artisan — she, a wealthy heiress and a scion of no- 
bility, and she was under the legal guardianship of the 
duke, whose word, so far as she was concerned, was 
law. And again, Conrad Damonoff w'as a count, andre- 
jDuted to be wealthy. To be sure, he was somewhat 
dissolute, but then a majority of his compeers were the 
same. Now, if this count loved the Lady Rosalind, and 
had asked for her hand, and the duke was willing he 
should have it, why had this extraordinary proposal 
been sent to the poor gunmaker ? 

Ruric asked this question of himself a hundred 
times. He would ' commence and lay down all the 
premises in his mind, and then he would try and make 
the deduction ; but no reasonable one could he arrive 
at. One thought clung about him, like a dim spectre 


28 


THE QUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


at night, which Hope would make an angel, and which 
Fear would paint a demon. Could it be possible that 
Rosalind had told her love for him, and that the duke 
would pay some deference to it ? He tried to think so. 
Hope whispered that it might be so. But Fear would 
force itself in, and speak in tones so loud that they 
could not be misunderstood. Finally the youth re- 
solved upon the only reasonable course. He concluded 
to let the matter rest, so far as his own surmises were 
concerned, until he could see Rosalind, — and that he 
was determined to do as soon as possible. 

On the following morning, as he was j^reparing for 
breakfast, he saw Olga, the duke, pass by, and strike 
off into the Borodino road. Now, thought he, is the 
time for the visit to Rosalind ; and as soon as he had 
eaten his breakfast, he prepared for the visit. He 
dressed well, and no man in Moscow had a nobler look 
when the dust of toil was removed from his brow and 
garb. 

Paul,” he said, entering the shop where the boy was 
at work, I may be back at noon. At any rate, such is 
my intention ; and if either of those men calls who were 
here yesterday, you may tell him so.” 

“ But,” returned the lad, “ if they ask me any ques- 
tions ? ” 

“Answer them as you think best.” 

“ And if they should ask me if you would fight? ” 

“ Tell that I hold my life too dear at the expense of 
an insult.” 

“ But surely, my master, the count will challenge 

YOU.” 

“ I think he will. And,” added Ruric, as an entirely 


LOVE. 


29 


new thought came to his mind, “ mayhap he came hers 
to create a quarrel to that end. I think he did.” 

“ I am sure of it,” said Paul. 

A moment later Ruric’s frame quivered with sup- 
pressed passion, and then he said : 

“ Let them come, and if they come, or if either of 
them comes, while I am gone, tell them, or him, that I 
am their very humble servant in all things reasonable.” 

Paul promised and then the gunmaker turned away. 
In the hall he threw on his heavy fur pelisse, and having 
reached the nearest hostelry, he took a horse and sleigh 
and started oif for the Kremlin, within which the duke 
resided. 

Within one of the sumptuously furnished apartments 
of the palace of the Duke of Tula sat Rosalind Yaldai. 
She was a beautiful girl ; molded in perfect form, with 
the full flush of health and vigor, and possessing a face 
of peculiar sweetness and intelligence. She was only 
nineteen years of age, and she had been ten years an 
orphan. Her hair was of a golden hue, and the sunlight 
loved to dwell amid the clustering curls. Her eyes, 
which were of a deep liquid blue, sparkled brightly 
^vhen she was happy ; and when she smiled the lovely 
dimples of her cheeks held the smile even after it had 
faded from the lips. There was nothing of the aristo- 
crat in her look — nothing proud, nothing haughty ; 
but gentleness and love were the true elements of her 
soul, and she could only be happy when she knew that 
she was truly loved. She liked respect, but she spurned , , 
that respect which only aims at outward show, while the 
heart iiiay be reeking with vilest selfishness. 

Rosalind sat tliere in the apartment which was hers 


30 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


for her own private use, and she was sad and thought- 
ful. One fair hand supported her pure brow, while 
with the other she twisted the ends of the silken sash 
that confined her heavy robe. Thus she sat when the 
door of her apartment was opened and a young gii’l 
entered. This new-comer was a small, fair creature, 
bright and quick, with that raven hair and those large, 
dark eyes of dreamy light which bespeak the child of 
Moslem blood. Her name was Zenobie, and she was 
now about sixteen years of age. Rosalind’s father had 
picked her up on the battle-field from which the Turks 
had fled, and being unable to find any claimants, he 
had brought her home, then almost an infant. And 
now she was Rosalind’s attendant and companion. 
She loved her kind and gentle mistress, and would 
have laid down life itself in the service. 

‘‘How now, Zenobie ?” asked Rosalind, as she no- 
ticed the girl hesitate. 

“ There is a gentleman below who would see you,” 
the girl replied. 

“ Then tell him I cannot see him,” said Rosalind, 
trembling. 

“ But this is Ruric Nevel, my mistress.” 

“Ruric!” exclaimed the fair maiden, starting up, 
while the rich blood mounted to her brow and temples. 
“ Oh ! I am glad he has come. My prayers are surely 
answered. Lead him thither, Zenobie.” 

The girl departed, and ere long afterwards Ruric 
entered the apartment. He walked quickly to where 
Rosalind had arisen to her feet, and taking one of her 
hands in both his own, he pressed it to his lips. He 
had had a well-formed speech upon his lips when en- 


LOVE. 


31 


t«r©d the room, but *twas gone now. . He could only 
gaze into the lovely face before him, and murmur the 
name that sounded so sweetly on his lips. But the 
emotions of his soul became calm at length, and then 
he spoke with more freedom. 

Lady,” he said, after he had taken a seat, “ you will 
pardon me for this visit when you know its cause. And 
you will pardon me^ too, if I speak plainly what I have 
to speak.” 

“ Surely, sir — ” 

“ O — call me Buric. Let us at least not forget the 
the friendship of childhood.” 

“ Then I am not a lady'* said Eosalind, smiling. 

“ No, Eosalind.” 

** Ah, Euric.” 

As we were in childhood,” whispered the youth. 

“ In all but years,” returned Eosalind, in the same 
low tone. 

“ And I may wear the same image in my heart ? ” 

‘‘ I cannot cast it from mine if I would.” 

“ The image of childhood, dear Eosalind ? ” 

« Aye — save that it has grown to manhood, dear 
Euric.” 

What more could he ask for love ? He had not 
aimed at this confession so soon. But he put it not 
from him now. He gazed a moment into the fair maid- 
en’s eye, and as he saw the love-lit tear gathering there, 
and the happy smile working its way about the rosy 
lips, and away into the joyous dimples, he opened his 
arms and clasped the fondly loved one to his bosom. 

“Oh, I am not deceived in this,” he murmured 
“ Speak, dearest one.” 


32 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


I cannot forget tlie love of the happy times agone,** 
the noble girl replied, gazing np through her happj 
tears. “ Oh, how many and many an hour have I 
prayed to God that those days might return, and that 
the one true heart of earth I loved might be mine once 
more. Kuric, why should I hide the truth, or why set 
it aside ? To me thou art all in all. I have no one 
else to love, and none to love me else, save the noble 
girl who brought you hither. I can tell you no more.’* 

Happy Euric ! Happy at that moment — forgetting 
all else but the love that gleamed out upon him then, 
and clasping the cherished object so ardently to his 
bosom. 

But the moments flew on, and, at length, his mind 
came to the subject of his visit. 

“ Kosalind,” he said, holding one of her fair hands in 
his grasp, “you know the Count Conrad Damonoff? 

“ Aye,” replied the maiden, with a shudder. “ He 
is here very often, and he has forced himself upon my 
companionship when, if he had sense, he must have 
known I liked it not.” 

“ He is a suitor for youi’ hand, is he not ? ” 

“ He was ; but he is not now.” 

“ Not now ? ” repeated Kuric, with surprise. “ What 
’mean you ? ” 

“ Why— simply that he has asked the duke for my 
hand, and that he was answered in the negative.” 

“ Did you hear the duke answer him so ? ” 

“ No ; but so the duke assured me he had done so. 
Bvt what mean you ? ” 

“ I will tell you. Yesterday the count came to mj 
dwelling, accompanied by Stephen XJrzen. He had a 


LOVE. 


3 ? 


paper drawn up by the duke’s own hand, in which I was 
made to say — or rather, by which the writer said, that 
he disclaimed all pretensions to your hand, and that he 
wished not to marry you — that he freely gave you up, 
meaning to seek wdthin the sphere of his own social cir- 
cle some companion when he wished. And this I was 
asked to sign.” 

“ By the count? ” 

“ Yes, — but by the duke’s orders.” 

“ Oh — it cannot be,” cried Kosalind, trembling. 

‘‘ And he further assured me that the duke had re- 
quested him to obtain my signature thereto, so that he 
might receive your hand without impediment.” 

“ So that the count might receive my hand ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ But the duke assured me only yesterday that I 
should not be troubled any more with the count. May 
there not bo some mistake ? ” 

“ There can be none on my jpart. The instrument 
was in the duke’s own hand.” 

“ But you did not sign it ? ” 

“ Ask me if I took my own life — if I made a curse for 
all I loved.” 

It is strange,” the maiden murmured, bowing her 
head a few moments. “And yet,” she added, looking 
up into her companion’s face, “ I do not think the duke 
would be treacherous ? ” 

“ He may be,” answered Ruric. “ He knows how 
lightly our noble emperor holds empty titles, and per- , , 
baps he fears that if this matter came to the imperial 
ear, and you should claim the right to marry with 
whom you pleased, Peter would grant your prayer. 


34 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


Hence lie wished to get my claim set aside so that he 
may have a clearer field in which to move. Do you 
know how the duke’s affairs stand at present ?” 

Eosalind thought awhile ere she answered ; and then, 
while a startled expression came to her face, she said : 

‘‘ Ruric, I do remember now that between the duke 
and young Damonoff there is some matter of dispute. 
There is some question of property.” 

Ah !” uttered the youth, earnestly. “ How is 
that ?” 

« Why, as near as I can understand it, there was a 
dispute between the duke and the elder Damonoff con- 
cerning the ownership of Drotzen, the estate on the 
Don, in Kaluga ; and since the father’s death Conrad 
has maintained his family claim. You know the duke 
and the old count married sisters, and this estate be- 
longed to them.” 

‘‘ And now,” suggested Ruric, may not the duke 
mean to compromise this matter by giving your hand 
to the count and taking Drotzen in exchange ?” 

“ Oh, I cannot think so,” the maiden returned, 
earnestly. “ The duke would not do that. He is kind 
to me, I am sure. He loves me as though I were his 
own child. I know he does, for in a thousand ways he 
has shown it. He is mindful of my comfort, and an- 
ticipates my every want. No, no — if he is deceiving 
any one he must be deceiving the count.” 

Ruric started as the new suspicion flashed upon him. 
Had the duke sent Damonoff upon that mission on 
purpose to get him into a quarrel ? 

“ Aye,” thought the youth to himself, “ the duke 
knows that I have taught the sword-play, and he knows 


LOVE. 


35 


that the count would be no match for me. So he thinks 
in this subtle manner to make me an instrument for 
ridding him of a plague.’* 

But the youth was careful not to let Bosalind know 
of this. He thought she would be unhappy if she knew 
that a duel was likely to come off between himself and 
the count. 

After some minutes of comparative silence, Kurio 
touched upon a point which lay very near his heart. 

“ Kosalind,” he said, taking both her hands in his 
own, “ there is one point upon which we have never 
spoken ; and I know you would have me speak plainly 
and candidly. You know my situation. My father and 
your father fought side by side, but my father fell, while 
yours returned to his home. For his eminent services 
your father received a title and a noble estate from the 
grateful Feodor, while my father was only forgotten. 
Hence our stations are now widely different. Yet I am 
not poor. No other man in the empire can compete 
with me in the manufacture of arms, and from my labor 
I derive a handsome income. You know all that. And 
now, if other obstacles were removed, would you give 
me your hand, and become mine for life ?” 

“Aye, Kuric,” the noble girl answered, with beaming 
eyes, and a joyful expression of countenance. “ Were 
3’ou reduced to the lowest estate of poverty, so long as 
your generous, pure soul was free, I should only be the 
more anxious to lift you up. Oh, my love knows only 
the heart whereon it is secured, and for my future of ‘ 
joy I ask only the truth of my husband’s love.” 

“ Bless you, deai-est,” Buric murmured, as he drew 


36 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


the maiden to liis side ; and then he added : “You 'VNill 
not allow the duke to give your hand away ? ” 

“ Never, Euric.” 

“ If he asks you for your hand to bestow upon any of 
his friends, you will tell him — ” 

“ That my heart is not mine to give, and that my 
hand cannot go without it.” 

“ O — bless you, Rosalind — bless you. God keep and 
guard you ever.” 

Ruric then took leave of Rosalind, and was soon in 
the open court. Here he entered his sledge, and then 
drove to the barracks in the Khitagorod, where he in- 
quired for Alaric Orsa, a lieutenant of the guard. The 
officer was quickly found, and as he met Ruric his sal- 
utation ^vas warm and cordial. He was a young man, 
not over five-and-twenty, and one of the finest looking 
soldiers in the guard. 

“ Alaric,” said the gunmaker, after the first friendly 
salutations had passed, “ I may have a meeting with 
Conrad Count Damonoff. He has sought a quarrel — 
insulted me most grossly — aimed a blow at my head — 
and I knocked him do'VMi. You can judge as well as I 
what the result must be.” 

“ Most surely he wiU challenge you,” cried the officer, 
excitedly. 

• “ So I think,” resumed Ruric, calmly. “ And now 
will you serve me in the event ? ” 

“ With pleasure.” 

“ I may refer his messenger to you ? ” 

“ Yes — surely. And how shall I act ? What will 

you do ? ” 


LOVE. 


37 


‘‘ Knock him down again under the same provo- 
cation.” 

“ I understand. You wish to retract nothing ? ” 

“ No. Listen : I will tell you all since I seek your 
aid.” 

And thereupon Ruric related all that had occurred at 
the time of the count’s visit to his shop. 

“ Good ! ” said Alaric, as the gunmaker finished. 
“ He must challenge you, and then you’ll punish him. 
He’s too x)roud now. He can handle some of his lilytops 
who associate with him ; and perhaps he thinks he can 
do the same when he comes out among the harder men. 
But never mind — I will be punctual and faithful.” 

Ruric reached home just as his mother was spreading 
the board for dinner. He often went away on business, 
and she thought not of asking him any questions. 


38 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


CHAPTEK IV. 

THE CHALLENGE. 

In tli6 afternoon Euric retired to his shop, where he 
went to work upon a gun which had been ordered some 
days before. As yet he had said nothing to Paiil con- 
cerning the affair of the day previous since his return 
from the Kremlin. He asked him now, however, if 
any one had called. 

“ Only the monk,” returned Paul, without seeming 
to consider tliat there was anything very important in 
the visit. 

Do you mean the black monk — Vladimir ? ” 

“ Yes, my master. He called here about the middle 
of the forenoon. He wanted one of the small daggers 
with the pearl haft.” 

“ And did you let him have one ? ” 

“ Certainly. He paid me four ducats for it, and 
would have paid more had I been willing to take it.” 

“ And did he make any conversation ? ” 

“ Yes. He asked me why the Count Damonoff came 
here yesterday.” 

“ Ha ! How did he know of their visit ? ” 

“ He was waiting at the inn for a sledge, and he 
overheard the count and his companion conversing 
upon the subject.” 

“ And did he ask you any questions touching the 
particulars ? ” 


I 


THK CHALLENGE. 


39 


« Yes — many.” 

“ And how answered you ? ” 

“I told him the whole story, from beginning to end. 
I found he knew something of their purpose from what 
he accidentally overheard, and rather than have him 
go away full of surmises, I told him all.” 

“ Of the message, too ? ” 

“Yes, my master. I told him all tliat happened, 
from the showing of the paper which the duke had 
drawn up, to the departure of the angry man.” 

“And what did the monk say?” E-uric asked, very 
earnestly. 

“ Why, he said he knew the count, and that he was a 
proud, reckless fellow, and worth but little to society. 
That was all. He did not seem to care much about it 
any way; only he said he should have done just as 
you did, and that every law of justice would bear you 
out. He had more curiosity than interest, though I 
am sure all his sympathies are with you.” 

“Very well,” returned Ruric. “It can matter but 
little what the monk thinks about it, though I would 
rather have him know the truth, if he must know any- 
thing, for I would not be misunderstood.” 

“ He understands it all now, my master; and I trust 
you are not offended at the liberty I took in telling 
him.” 

“ Not at all, Paul — not at all.” 

Here the conversation dropped, and the work was 
resumed in silence. It was past three o’clock when^ 
Ruric’s mother came and informed him that a gentle- 
man, in the house, would speak with him. 

“ Is it Stephen Urzen ? ” asked the youth. 


40 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


His mother said it was. 

** Then bid him come out here.” 

Claudia retired, and in a few moments more the 
gentleman made his appearance. 

Euric Nevel,” he said, bowing very stiffly and 
haughtily, “ I bring a message from the Count Da- 
monoff.” 

“ Very well, sir,” answered the gunmaker, proudly, 
“ I am ready to receive it.” 

Thereupon Urzen drew a sealed note from his pocket, 
and handed it to Euric, who took it and broke the seal. 
He opened it, and read as follows : 

‘‘ Euric Nevel : An insult of the most aggravating 
nature has for the time levelled all distinctions of caste 
between us. Your blood alone can "wash out the stain. 
I would not murder you outright, and in no other way 
but this can I reach you. My friend, the bearer of this, 
will make all arrangements. If you dare not meet me, 
say so, that all may know who is the coward. 

“ Damonofp.” 

When Euric had read the missive he crushed it in 
his hand, and gazed its bearer some moments in the 
face without speaking. 

“ Will you answer ?” asked Urzen. He spoke more 
softly than before, for he saw something in the gun- 
maker’s face which he dared not provoke. 

“Are you acquainted with Alaric Orsa, a lieutenant 
of the guard ? ” 

“ Yes, sir — I know him well.” 

“ Then let me refer you to him. He will make all 
necessary arrangements, and I shall hold myself bound 
by his plans. I trust that is satisfactory ? ” 


THE CHALLENGE. 


41 


•* Yes, sir.” 

** Then you and I need have no more to say.” 

“ Only on one point,” said Urzen, with some little 
show of confusion. “You are the challenged party, and 
you will have the choice of weapons. The count has 
not mentioned this ; mind you, he has not ; but I, as 
his friend, deem it no more than right to speak of it. I 
trust you will choose a gentleman’s weapon. In the 
use of the pistol or the gun he is not versed.” 

“ While you imagine I am,” said Ruric, with a con- 
temptuous curl of the lip ; for he knew that the man 
was lying. He could see by the man’s very looks that 
Damonoff had commissioned him to broach this mat- 
ter. 

“ Of course you are,’* returned Urzen. 

“ And the count is most excellently versed in the use 
of the sword, is ho not ? ” 

“ He is accounted a fair swordsman.” 

“ Aye — so I thought. But it matters not to me. The 
idea had not entered my mind before, save that I sup- 
posed swords would be the only weapons thought of. 
However, Orsa will settle it with you. I have given 
him no directions at all, save to serve me as he thinks 
proper, and to act upon the understanding that if I 
have given offence to the count I would do the same 
again under provocation. You understand now ?” 

“ I do, sir,” replied Urzen, in a choking tone. 

“ Then wait a moment, and I will give you a message 
to Orsa.” 

Thus speaking, Ruric went to his desk, and upon the 
bottom of the missive he had received from the Count 
he wrote ; 


4^2 


THE GtJNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


“ Dear Alaric : I send this to you by the same hand 
that bore it to me, and you are herel^ empowered to act 
for me as you may deem proper. I shall be governed 
strictly by your arrangements. 

“ Euric.” 

Having written this he showed it to IJrzen, and asked 
him if he would bear it to the lieutenant. An affirmative 
reply was given, and then simply folding the note in the 
opposite way from the original fold, the gunmaker 
superscribed it anew to the lieutenant, and handed it 
to his visitor. Urzen took it, and with a stiff bow, but 
without speaking, he turned and left the place. 

That evening, about eight o’clock, a sledge drove up 
to Euric’s door, and Alaric Orsa entered the house. H© 
called the youth aside, and informed him that the ar- 
rangements had all been made. 

“ Damonoff is in a hurry,” he said, “ and we have 
appointed the meeting at ten o’clock to-morrow fore- 
noon. It will take place at the bend of the river just 
beyond the Viska Hill.” 

“ And the -weapons ? ” asked Euric. 

“ Swords,” returned Orsa. “ The count will bring 
his own, and he gives you the privilege of selecting 
such an one as you choose.” 

“ I thank you, Alaric, for your kindness thus far, and 
you may rest assured that I shall be prompt.” 

“ Suppose I call here in the morning for you? ” sug- 
gested the visitor. 

“ I should be pleased to have you do so.” 

I wiU, then. I shall be along in good season with 
my sledge, and we will both reach the ground to- 
gether,” 


I’flE challenge. 


43 


Thus it was arranged, and then Orsa took his leave. 

When Ruric returned to his seat by the fireplace he 
noticed that his mother watched him narrowly, and 
with more than ordinary interest. He had once made 
up his mind that he would say nothing to his mother 
about the affair until it was over ; but as the time was 
set, and the hour drew nigh, his mind wavered. When 
it was over where might he be! But he was cut short 
in liis reflections by the voice of his parent. 

“ Buric,” she said, and her voice trembled while she 
spoke, ‘‘ you will pardon me for prying into your aftairs, 
but I cannot hide from myself that something of more 
than usual moment is on the tapis with you. Why are 
these men calling to and fro ? and why are you so 
thoughtful and moody ? You know a mother’s feel- 
ings — and you will pardon a mother’s anxiety.” 

“ Surely, my mother,” the youth replied, gazing up 
for a moment, and then letting his eyes droop again. 
At length he resumed — “ I had made up my mind to 
tell you all ere you spoke.” 

There was something deep and significant in Ruric’s 
tone, and his mother quickly caught the spark. 

“ What is it ?” she tremblingly asked, moving her 
chair nearer to her child’s side. 

‘‘ Listen,” the young man said, and thereupon he de- 
tailed the circumstances attending the visit of the Count 
Damonoff to his shop. Then he told of his own visit 
to Rosalind, and its results ; and then of the visit of 
Stephen Urzen. 

‘‘ And now, my mother,” he added, without waiting 
for any reply, you know it all. You see how I am 
situated. Remember, our nation has reached its pres- 


44 


THE GUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


ent point by successful war. The soul of the nation is 
built upon military honor, and sinco our noble emperor 
has opened the way of advancement to the lowest of his 
subjects who are brave and true, the coward is looked 
upon with disgust upon all hands. Yet, my mother, I 
would have you speak.” 

For some moments Claudia Nevel was silent. But 
at length she said, while a tear glistened in her eye : 

I have given one loved being up to my country’s 
good. Russia took my husband from me, and I could 
ill afford now to lose my son. Yet, rather than one 
stain should rest upon his name, I would see him dead 
before me. O, Buric, you know whether dishonor 
would rest upon you were you to refuse this chal- 
lenge.” 

“ I will speak plainly, my dear mother,” returned 
the youth, in a tremulous tone, for his parent’s kindness 
had moved him. “ In my soul I should feel perfectly 
justified in refusing this meeting, for no principle of 
real honor is at stake. ’ But were I to back out now 
from this, I should never meet anotiier generous look 
in Moscow. Every one would point the finger of scorn 
at me, and the word coward would ring always in my 
ears. It may be a false state of things — I feel that it 
really is so ; but how can I help it ? It is the curse of 
all great military epochs. Battle alone makes heroes, 
and so all must measure their honor by the force of 
their arms. The count carries even now upon his brow 
the mark of my blow, and all will say he has a 
right to demand satisfaction ; though I know that he 
provoked the cpiarrel on purjDose. I cannot refuse him 


THE CHALLENGE. 


45 


on the ground of station, for he is above me in that. I 
must meet him.” 

“ Then,” said the mother, in a low, calm tone, but 
with much effort, you shall not feel that your mother 
would thwart your design. If your own good judgment 
says go — then go. If they bring your body to mo in 
the stern grasp of death, I shall bow with submission, 
and such resignation as I can, to the cruel blow. If 
you come back to mo alive I shall thank God that you 
are spared ; but alas ! the joy will be clouded with the 
thought of blood upon your hands, and the knowledge 
that my joy is another’s grief.” 

No, no, my mother,” cried Buric, quickly and ear- 
nestly, “ I will not have a fellow-being’s blood upon my 
hand, if I can avoid it. Only to save my own life will 
I take his. Ho has done all this himself — ail — all. The 
quarrel was his own, and the first blow Avas his. The 
challenge is his, and now is not the responsibility his 
also ?” 

It is, my son, so far as he alone is concerned. If 
you have a responsibility it must be to your own soul. 
But tell me — has not the emperor made some law touch- 
ing this practice of dueling ? 

“ Yes, but only the challenger is responsible. The 
party challenged is held free from blame in the eyes of 
the laAv.” 

“ Then I shall interpose no more objections,” said the 
mother. She tried to speak hopefully, but she could 
not hide the fearful sadness of her heart. “ Could fer;, 
vent prayer avert the blow it should not fall ; but I can 
only pray as one without power.” 

A long time after this was passed in silence. Both 


46 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


the mother and son seemed to have something upon 
their minds which they mshed to say, but dared not. 
But the former at length overcame her reluctance. 

“ Euric, my son,” said she, keeping back the tears 
that struggled for utterance in their silent speech, “ is 
there any little word you would leave ? — any matter of 
moment — ” 

“No, no,” Euric answered, speaking calmly by effort. 
“ I am yours, and all is yours. But I shall not fall.” 

“ Ah, be not too confident, my son. Let no such as- 
surance lead you to forget your God. I have heard of 
this count. It was he who slew Eutger ; and Momjako, 
too, he slew in the duel. He is an expert swordsman, 
and surely means to kill you if he can.” 

“ I am aware of that, my mother. But do you not 
know that we are all prone to overlook our own powers 
when wondering upon the feats of others ! I may be 
pardoned for assuring you that the only man who has 
yet overcome the count at the sword-play was one of 
my own scholars. While in Spain I practiced with 
some of the best swordsmen in the kingdom. But lis- 
ten : I will send one word. For yourself I can tell you 
nothing which you do not know ; but yet you may see 
Eosalind. If you do, tell her — But you know my soul. 
You can tell her as you please. But I shall not fall.” 

It was now late, and ere long Euric kissed his mother, 
and then retired to his bed. 

And the widow was left alone. With her eyes she 
followed the retreating form of her beloved son, and 
when he was gone from her sight she bowed her head 
and sobbed aloud. When she reached her humble 
couch she knelt by the side thereof, and poured forth 


THE CHALLENGE. 


47 


her pent-up soul to God. When her head had pressed 
the pillow she tried to hope — she tried to fasten one 
hope in her mind ; but she looked only into the night. 
Not one ray of light reached her struggling soul. She 
opened her eyes of promise in vain — for she looked into 
a gloom so utter that out of its depths loomed ,only the 
blackness of despair. 

Sleep on, Kuric. But oli, couldst thou know how 
thy fond mother’s heart is racked there’d be no sleep 
for thee ! 


4B 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


CHAPTER V. 

THE DUEL. 

On tlie following morning Rnric was up betimes, and 
at the breakfast table not a word of the one all-absorb- 
ing theme was uttered. After the meal was finished 
the gunmaker went out to his shop, and took down 
from one of the closets a long leathern case, in which 
were two swords, both of the same make and finish, 
only different in size. They were Toledo blades, and 
of most exquisite workmanship and finish. Ruric took 
out the heavier one, which was a two-edged weapon, 
with a cross-hilt of heavily gilded metal. He placed 
the point upon the floor, and then with all his weight 
he bent the blade till the pommel touched the point. 
The lithe steel sprang back to its place with a sharp 
clang, and the texture was not started. Then he 
struck the flat of the blade upon the anvil with great 
force. The ring was sharp and clear, and the weapon 
remained unharmed. 

“ Paul, Moscow does not contain another blade like 
that ! Damascus never saw a better.” 

Thus spoke the gunmaker to his boy, as he balanced 
the beautiful weapon in his hand. 

I think you are right, my master,” the boy re- 
turned, who had beheld the trial of the blade with un- 
bounded admiration. “ But,” he added, “ could you 
not temper a blade like that ? ” 


THE DUEL. 


49 


“ Perhaps, if I had the steel. But I have it not. The 
steel of these two blades came from India, and was 
originally in one weapon — a ponderous, two-handed 
affair belonging to a Bengal chieftain. The metal pos- 
sesses all the hardness of the finest razor, with the 
elasticity of the most subtle spring. My old master at 
Toledo gave me these as a memento. Were I to mention 
the sum of money he was once offered for this largest 
one you would hardly credit it.” 

How much ?” asked Paul, with a boy’s curiosity. 

“ It was a sum equal to about seven hundred ducats.” 

“ And yet he gave it away ?” 

“ Aye — for its price was but imaginary, while its 
worth to him was only commensurate with the good it 
did him. If he told the truth he loved me, and these 
he gave me as a parting gift, as the best patterns I 
could wish for when making such.” 

After this Kuric put up the smaller sword, and then 
gave Paul a few directions about the work, promising 
to be back before night. The faithful boy shook his 
head dubiously as he heard this promise, but he said 
nothing, and shortly afterwards Euric went into the 
house. Just then Alaric Orsa drove up to the door. 

Euric was all ready but putting on his bonnet and 
pelisse. His mother was in the kitchen. He went to 
her with a smile upon his face. He put his arms about 
her and drew her to his bosom. 

“ God bless you, my mother. I shall come back.” 
He sa^d this, and then he kissed her. 

“ God keep — and — ” 

It was all she could say. 


I 


50 THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 

Buric gazed a moment into lier pale face-^then he 
kissed her again — and again he said : 

“ God bless you, my mother. I shall come back.” 

He dared stop to speak no more. Gently seating his 
fond mother upon a chair, he turned and huiTied from 
the place. In the hall he threw on his pelisse and bon- 
net, and then he opened the door and passed out. 

‘‘ Have you a good weapon ?” asked Orsa, as the 
horse started on. 

“ I have a fair one. I think it will not deceive me.” 

“ I asked,” resumed Orsa, “ because Damonoff prides 
himself upon the weapon he wears. It is a German 
blade, and he thinks he can cut in twain the blade of 
any other weapon in Moscow with it.” 

“ I have a good weapon,” Buric said, quietly ; “ and 
one which has stood more tests than most swords will 
bear.” And after some further remarks he related the 
peculiar circumstances attending the making of the 
sword, and his possession of it. 

At length they struck upon the river, and in half an 
hour more they reached the appointed spot. The day 
was beautiful. The sun shone brightly upon the glis- 
tening snow, and the air was still and calm. The sharp 
frost of the atmosphere served only to brace the system 
up, and Buric threw open his pelisse, that he might 
breathe more freely. He had been upon ground but a 
few minutes when the other party came in sight around 
the bend of the river. 

As soon as the count and his second had arrived, and 
the horses had been secured, the lieutenant proposed 
that they should repair to the building, which was close 
at hand. This was a large open boat-house, which was 


THE DUEL. 


51 


unused and deserted in the winter, and it was proposed 
to go in there because the reflection of the strong sun- 
light from the bright snow was calculated to blind and 
blur the eye. 

Ha ! what means that ? ” exclaimed Orsa, as he saw 
a sledge just turning the bend of the river with an officer 
in it. 

“ It is only a surgeon,” replied Damonoff. I would 
not cut a man’s flesh without giving him a fair chance 
to survive it.” 

“ And then you may find him serviceable to yourself, 
eh ? ” suggested the lieutenant. 

“ Of course. There is no telling what may happen.” 

In a moment more the new sledge came up, and Ruric 
recognized its inmate as an army surgeon whom he had 
seen before, though he knew not his name. 

“ Now for the old boat-house,” cried Urzen. 

“ Aye,” added Damonoff. “ Let us have this busi- 
ness done, for I would be back to dinner. I dine with 
Olga to-day, and a fair maiden awaits my coming.” 

“ Notice him not,” whispered Orsa, who walked close 
by Euric’s side. “ That is one of his chief points when 
engaged in an affair of this kind. He hopes to get you 
angry, and so unhinge your nerves.” 

“ Never fear,” answered thegunmaker. “Be sure he 
only brings new danger to himself, for such efforts wiU 
find their point in the muscle of my arm.” 

The party halted when they reached the interior of 
the rough structure, and the count threw oft his pelisse 
and drew his sword. Euric followed liis example. 

“ Sir Count,” the latter said as he moved a step for- 
wai’d, “ ere we commence this work I wish all present 


52 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


to understand (distinctly how I stand. You have sought 
this quarrel from the first. Without the least provoca- 
tion from me you have insulted me most grossly, and 
this is the climax. So, before God and man, be the re- 
sult upon your own head.” 

“ Out, lying knave — ” 

“ Hold,” cried the surgeon, laying his hand heavily 
iqx)n the count’s arm. You have no right to speak 
thus, for you lower ^^ourself when you do it. If you 
have come to fight, do so honorably.” 

An angry reply was upon Damonoff ’s lips, but he did 
not speak. He turned to his antagonist and said : 

“ Will you measure weapons, sir ? Mine may bo a 
mite the longest. I seek no advantage ; and I have one 
here of the same length and weight as my own, if you 
wish it.” 

“ I am well satisfied as it is,” replied Euric. 

Then take your ground. Are you ready ?” 

I am 1” 

The two swords were crossed in an instant, with a 
clear, sharp clang. 

There was some contrast between the two combat- 
ants, but not much, apparently. The count was a little 
the taller, and Kuric was some the heavier. But to a 
close observer there was a peculiar contrast in the bear- 
ing of the two men. That breast, swelling out so nobly, 
and those massive shoulders, made for the seat of phj^s- 
ical power, were Kuric’s alone to possess. Yet Conrad 
Damonoff was accounted a strong man. In the ath- 
letic sports of the club-court he had few superiors, and 
not many equals. But Kuric Novel had never shown 
his strength there, 


THE DUEL. 


53 


Now, for the first time, that contemptuous look 
passed from the count’s face. As his eye caught his 
antagonist’s position — as he noticed the calm, dignified, 
quiet ease of every limb ; and as he car^ht the deep, 
mystic fire of those expressive eyes, he knew that he 
had no common amateur to deal with. 

At length Conrad Damonoff started back, and a 
quick cry escaped his lips. His antagonist’s point had 
touched his bosom — it had pressed against his heart 
and had not been driven home. Well he knew that his 
life was his no longer, for the gunmaker had gained it, 
and — spared it. 

“ Yoti fence well,” he gasped, struggling to regain his 
composure. 

“ You are not a novice,” returned Buric, calmly, at 
the same time allowing his point to drop. 

“ Come on,” the count cried, now gathering all his 
energies for another effort. 

And again the weapons were crossed. This time 
Damonoff was more guarded. Before he had been im- 
pelled by his own assurance ; but now he was forced to 
regard his opponent’s power. Buric quickly found that 
his foe was more careful than at first, and he carried his 
own point accordingly. At the twelfth stroke the count 
made a feint to the left — then at the throat, and then, 
with a quick, lightning-like motion, he thrust straight at 
his antagonist’s heart. But his meaning had been read 
from the first by Buric. The youth caught the motion 
of the eye, and he saw that his heart was the place 
looked to. His own movement was almost instinctive. 
He received his antagonist’s sword midway upon his 
own blade — then moved his arm quickly forward and 


I 


54 ' THE GTJNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 

caught his enemy’s point under his cross-guard ; — ■ 
then, with all his power, he wrenched his arm upward 
and backward, and the count’s sword went flying across 
the building. It struck the opposite wall with a dull 
clang, and on the next instant it was half buried in the 
snow. 

“ Fear not, sir,” said Ruric, as the count started back 
with both hands raised. “ I never strike an unarmed 
man.” 

Damonoff’s arms fell to his side, and a deep blush of 
shame mantled his face. 

“ By St. Paul ! ” cried the surgeon, your life is 
forfeit, Sir Count ; and now 3^011 should be satisfied.” 

“ No, no,” the discomfited man exclaimed, starting 
up with rage and mortification. “ That was but a slip. 
’Twas a false step — a cowardly feint. I am not yet 
overcome.” 

“ But man of mortality, even now your life is Novel’s. 
He may run 3'ou through now if he chooses.” 

“ But he has not,” the count cried, springing to 
where his sword had fallen and snatching it up.. 

“ Sir Count,” here spoke Ruric, calmly, but with 
marked contempt, “ ^’^ou should not blame me for what 
I have done, for thrice have you tried to break my 
sword.” 

“ Then try it again ! ” Damonoff exclaimed. “ Take 
my sword again if 3^011 can.” 

“ Perhaps not,” our hero retorted. “ But be sure 
3^our sword shall be used no more after this day.” 

Ha ! Brag not, but strike. If you can — ” 

The conclusion of the sentence was drowned by the 
flash of steel. 

. \ 


THE duel. 


55 


At the second stroke the count made another furious 
thrust at his antagonist’s heart. Euric sprang quickly 
aside, and with the whole power of his good right arm 
he struck DamonofF’s blade close to the haft and broke 
it in twain. 

“My other sword ! my other sword ! ” the count 
shouted, now blinded by absolute madness. “ Oh, give 
me my other — ” 

“ Hold ! ” cried both the surgeon and Stephen Urzen 
in concert. “ You are mad, Conrad.” 

“ Mad ! — Oh, I shall be mad ! Where is my sword ! ” 
the reckless man yelled, casting the bladeless pommel 
down. 

“ But will you not listen one — ” 

“ Away, I say ! Shall I give up because my sword is 
broken ? By the gods, the weapon deceived me. Where 
is the other ? ” 

“Deceived thee, Conrad?” repeated the surgeon, 
sarcastically. “ Had thy head but received a hundredth 
part of that blow, ’twould not be upon thy shoulders 
now.” 

But the count was beyond all reason. In his mad- 
ness he saw not that his sword had been broken on 
purpose. He did not see that he had been at his an- 
tagonist’s mercy. But his friends saw it all. 

“ Ha ! whom have we here ? ” cried Alaric, whose eye 
had caught a dark form at the entrance of the old 
building. 

It was Yladimir the monk. 

“ How now ? What seek you here ? ” asked Urzen, 
as the fat, ■ )urly monk waddled towards the party. 

“ I heard the clash of arms, my son, as I rode by, 


66 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


and I stopped to see wliat it was. Surely, where the 
work of death is going on, a child of the church may 
come ? ” 

“Aye,” cried the count, “ come in w^elcome, but med- 
dle not. Now ! — mv sword ! — where is it ? ” 

Eeluctantly XJrzen brought forward the second sword, 
but ere he gave it up he said : 

“ Beware, Conrad. You had better — ” 

“Peace, babbler! ” the excited fool hissed, snatching 
the weapon, and then turning quickly upon the gun- 
maker. 

Thus far Buric had remained silent, but he felt it his 
duty to speak now. 

“ Sir Count,” he said, in a tone so stern and authori- 
tative, and with a look so commanding, that Damonoff 
was held in abeyance by it, “I must speak one word. 
You have provoked a quarrel with me — and you have 
challenged me. I have no fear of death when duty 
calls for my life^ but I would not die thus, nor -would I 
slay a fellow-being thus. Six separate times to-day 
since our swords first crossed, have I spared your life.” 

“ Liar 1” 

“ And twice have I had you before me unarmed,” 
Ruric continued, without noticing the interruption. 
“I had hoped this would have shown you that I 
sought not harm to you ; and, furthermore, that you 
were no match for me at this kind of work.” 

“ Out, fool ! j^elled Damonoff, now fairly frothing with 
rage. “ If you dare not cross swords again, say so, but 
do not crawl off like a coward 1 

“ One word more,” said Euric, paling for an instant 
beneath the unmerciful insult of the senseless tongue 


THE DUEL. 


57 


that assailed him, and he stood proudly erect while 
he spoke, “ before these men here assembled, and be- 
fore my God, I swear, that thus far I have spared you ; 
but my own life may be the forfeit if I trifle with you 
more. So now — beware ! You have sufficient warn- 
mg ! 

Perhaps the count really overlooked the facts of which 
Euric had spoken. In his ungovernable rage he may 
have fancied ’twas only accident that had worked 
against him. However, he started forward once more, 
and made a furious lunge at his antagonist. 

“Now,” he gasped, “ play your best, for my sword’s 
my own !” 

But Buric spoke not. He saw that the count was 
stronger than before — for his rage seemed to give him 
a maniac’s power — and that he was earnest only for life 
or death. He struck quickly and furiously, and his 
movements were strange and unprecedented. He 
threw up all rules of exercise, and cut and thrust only 
in wild madness. Twice Kuric came nigh being run 
through. He lost all run of his opponent’s play, and 
quickly saw that he must put a stop to the conflict or 
run the risk of leaving a childless mother in his home 
to see that day’s sun sink. 

“ Will you give o’er ?” he asked, as he struck the 
count’s point down. 

“ Never ! Submit to such as you ? Bah !” 

A few moments more the conflict lasted. One more 
opportunity he had at Damonoff’s heart — and h® 
spared him. All present saw it save the mad man. 

“ Fooll” muttered the monk, who trembled from 
head to foot with excitement, his huge body shaking 


m 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


Ifke a bag of jelly, “will you throw away your Osvn 
life, Ruric Nevel ? Shall I tell your mother you left 
her of your own will ?” 

This mention of his mother drove the^ last lingering 
doubt from Ruric’s mind. Again he struck the oppos- 
ing point down, and then he pressed his own point 
upon the count’s bosom. He avoided the heart — he 
tried to avoid the vitals — but he threw his arm forward, 
and his glittering blade passed through the fool’s body. 
With an expression of pain upon his features he started 
back, and rested his reeking point upon the trodden 
snow. The count came furiously on again, but he 
struck wildly and at random, Ruric merely warding off 
his blows, until finally his arm sank. On the next mo- 
ment his sword dropped from his nerveless grasp, and 
h© fell fainting back into the arms of his attendants. 


BEFORE THE EMPEROR, 


59 


CHAPTEB YI. 

BEFORE THE EMPEROR. 

“ Is he dead ?” asked Riiric, starting quickly forward. 

Hold, my son,” said the monk, laying his hand upon 
the young man’s arm. “ Surely you have nothing to 
fear. It was none of your work — no m.ore than if you 
had run your sword to the heart of a wild beast that 
had attacked you.” 

“ But I did not touch his heart,” quickly returned the 
youth. “ I was careful of that. I would have struck 
him upon the head with the flat of my sword, but I 
feared I might break his skull.” 

“ He is not dead yet,” answered the surgeon, as 
Buric pressed forward and asked the question a second 
time. “ Ho has only fainted from the shock of the 
blow, coupled with his own fears and passions.” 

“But will he die ?” Buric asked, kneeling down by 
the fallen man’s side. 

“ I cannot yet tell,” the doctor said, at the same time 
wiping the blood away, which was flowing freely. 

“ But why not probe the wound now ?” suggested the 
monk. “ Now is the best time, for the place is not yet 
inflamed ; and while he is thus insensible he will be free 
from pain.” 

The surgeon at once saw the truth and propriety of 
this, and he proceeded to act upon the suggestion. 


60 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


Having selected a probe which appeared applicable, 
he examined the wound. Ruric watched him eagerly, 
and with a painful expression. 

“ I do not think this wound is mortal,” the surgeon 
reported, as he carefully felt his way along the course 
the steel had taken. “ It has jDassed below the rignt 
lung, and only severed some of the smaller bloort- 
vessels. I think, with proper care, he may recove’^.*" 

“Thank God!” fervently ejaculated Ruric, with h!e 
hands clasped. 

“But wdiy so anxious?” asked Urzen. “ You were 
ready enough to accept his challenge.” 

“ Aye, else you would have called me a coward,” 
answered the gunmaker, with a flashing eye. “ Had I 
refused to meet him, that fatal word would have met 
me at every turn. I knew that such a man as he was 
no match for me at any game where strength of arm 
and sleight of hand were required. So I meant to dis- 
arm him, and then give him up his life, believing that 
such an act would end the combat. You know how I 
labored to spare him. But I could not. Yet I would 
not have the life of a fellow-being — a countryman — 
upon my hands in such a quarrel. My father died 
fighting for his country, and so would I die if my death 
must come from the hand of man ; but to die thus 
would be a curse upon my name — and to inflict such 
death upon another would be a curse in my memory.” 

“ I believe you, my son,” the monk said. “ Only if 
the count dies you should not allow such feelings as 
you mention to overcome you. In no way are you to 
blame for this.” 

“ True, father— you speak truly,” added the surgeon. 


BEFORE THE EMPEROR. 


61 


“ The young man has acted most nobly, and no blame 
can be attached to him.” 

Huric seemed somewhat relieved by these assurances, 
and having seen the count’s wound dressed, and 
assisted in bearing the insensible form to the sledge, 
he took Alaric’s proffered arm and proceeded to his 
own team. 

“ Who is that monk ?” asked the lieutenant as they 
entered their sledge. 

I only know that he is called Yladirnir,” replied 
Ruric. “ I have only seen him once before. Have you 
ever seen him ere this ?” 

“ Yes, several times about our barracks. He has 
been there when some of our poor fellows have been 
sick and dying. He seems to be a good-hearted man, 
and, I should judge, quite intelligent.” 

“ I agree with you there,” our hero said. “I think 
he is a good man ; but there is nevertheless a mystery 
about him which I cannot solve. His countenance is 
familiar to me, and yet I cannot tell where nor when I 
have seen him.” 

“ Aye,” added Alaric, quiclkly and eagerly ; “ that is 
precisely the case with me. I am very sure that I have 
seen that man under different circumstances. And 
others of our company have thought the same.” 

The two men watched the movements of the monk 
while they thus spoke, and they noticed that he entered 
his sledge and drove off towards Borodino. 

“ Ruric,” said the lieutenant, after he had ridden 
some little distance, and at the same time gazing won- 
deringly into his companion’s face, ‘‘ you handle the 
sword like a magician. I’d give all I own at this pres- 


62 


THE GUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


jcaoixidiit— my commission and all — if I could handle 
sword as you can.” 

“ I do understand the weapon passing well,” the 
youth modestly answered ; “ but I have worked hard to 
gain the science.” 

“ Ah, ’tis not all science,” the officer added. “ That 
wondrous strength of yours is a host in itself.” 

“ And yet,” said Euric, “ I have seen weaker men 
than myself who would overcome me easily — or, at least, 
might overcome me.” 

“ But they are not in this city,” suggested Orsa, with 
a peculiar shake of the head. 

“ True, Alaric. I am not in the habit of mentioning 
my own powers, but yet I may say that there is no 
man in Moscow who is my superior in the use of any 
sort of oJffensive arms.” 

The lieutenant readily admitted the truth of this, 
and then the conversation turned upon the subject of 
the count, and the course he had pursued with respect 
to the event which had just transpired. This conver- 
sation lasted until they had reached the door of Euric’s 
residence, and having thanked his friend for his kind- 
ness, and expressed the hope that at some time he 
might have opportunity to return some adequate favor, 
the gunmaker entered the house. 

The widow sat in her great chair by the fire, and she 
was pale and anxious. Her brow was supported by 
her hands, and at every sound from without she would 
start up with a frightened expression and listen. At 
length the sound of bells struck ujjon her ear — they 
came nearer and nearer — and they stopped at her door. 
Bhe would have arisen, but she could not. With her 


BEFORE THE EMPEROR. 


63 


hands clasped, she bent eagerly forward, and lis- 
tened with a frantic interest. Soon the door opened. 
Surely no one but him would enter without knocking ! 
She started to her feet — the inner door opened — a male 
form stood before lier. 

“ Mother 1 ” 

“ Kurio ! — my boy ! — safe ! 

She tottered forward and sank upon the bosom of her 
noble son, and while she wound her arms tightly about 
him she murmured her thanks to God. 

By and by the widow became more calm, but still 
there was an earnest, eager look of fear upon her face. 
Euric saw it, and he knew well what it meant. 

“ Mother,” he said, ‘‘ the count is not dead.” 

‘‘ Nor wounded ? ” she exclaimed, 4Hickly and eagerly. 

“ Yes — badly. But listen : I could not help it.” 
And thereupon he related all the circumstances con- 
nected with the conflict. When he had concluded his 
mother pondered a few moments, and then she said : 

‘‘ Surely, my son, I will try and suffer nothing from 
this, even should the wicked man die. In all you acted 
but upon the defensive. From the first he has only 
been intent on attacking you ; and on the battle-ground 
he would have killed you if he could.” 

“ Most surely he would, mother. Aye — he would not 
have hesitated to stab me in the back could he have 
gained the opportunity. He was mad beyond all self- 
control, and his eagerness to kill me was only equalled 
by his chagrin at being overcome by one whom he had 
hoped easily to conquer.” 

After this Euric went to his shop, but Paul mani- 
fested no great emotion upon beholding him, 


64 


THE G UNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ You seem to take it as a matter of course that I 
should return alive and well,” said the gunmaker, with 
a smile. 

“Why — of course,” returned the boy, composedly. 

“ What would a score of such men as he be to vou ? 

•/ 

Conrad Damonoff hold a sword before Euric Nevel ? — 
No, I only smiled when 1 heard his challenge. I should 
have as soon thought of being anxious about your re- 
turn from a marten hunt.” 

Euric smiled at his boy’s peculiar eagerness of ex- 
pression, but he felt a degree of pride in his words, 
nevertheless. 

It Avas towards the latter part of the afternoon tliat 
Euric W’as somewhat startled by seeing some of the Im- 
perial guard approaching his house ; and ere long af- 
terwards his mother came to him pale and trembling, 
and informed him that he was wanted by the emperor’s 
officers. 

“ Oh ! ” she groaned, 'with clasped hands and tearful 
eyes, “ they will take you from me now.” 

“ Fear not, my mother,” the youth confidently replied. 
“ The emperor will not blame me when ho knows all the 
particulars. But come — let us go in.” 

Euric found the officers — three of them — in the 
kitchen, and he asked them if they sought him. 

“ We seek Euric Nevel, the gunmaker,” returned the 
leader. 

, “ I am the man, sir. May I know what is "w^anted ? ” 

“ Cannot you guess ? ” 

“ Why — yes, I suppose it must be on account of the 
duel which was fought this morning.” 

“ Exactly.” 


BEFOTIE THE EMPEROR. 


65 


And who wants me ? ” 

“ Who should want you but the emperor ? ” 

“ Oh ! they would not take my noble boy from me ! ** 
cried Claudia, catching the officer by the arm. “ Tell 
our good emperor that Bussia has taken my husband 
from me — that he fell in his country’s cause. Tell him 
my boy was not to blame — ” 

“ Hush, mother,” interposed E-uric. “ Fear not yet.” 

“ Come,” said the loader, “ it is growing late, and 
Peter will not brook delay.” 

“ But they will not harm him ! ” the mother franti- 
cally cried, clinging now to her son. 

“ No, no, my mother. Best you easy here until I re- 
turn.” And then turning to the guard he added, “ Lead 
on, and I will follow.” 

“ Now rest you easy, my dear mother ; ” and with 
these words Buric gently set her back into her chair, 
and then hastened out after the officers. In the entry 
he put on his bonnet and pelisse, and then followed his 
conductors out to tJie street, where stood a double 
sledge, with two horses attached. 

‘‘ You seem to look upon the killing of a Bussian 
nobleman as a very small affair,” said one of the offi- 
cers, after they had started on their way. 

“ Is he dead, then ? ” Buric quickly asked. 

“ The doctors think his case is a critical one. But 
that is not the thing : You would have killed him if 
you could.” 

“ No, no. It is not so. All who were present will 
swear that I tried to spare him.” 

** Very well,” returned the officer, ‘‘ we shall see 
about that when we come to the palace. Perhaps you 


66 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


may go clear ; but I would not willingly occupy your 
place.” 

Ruric cared not to argue the point with those who 
knew nothing about the circumstances, so he remained 
silent during the rest of the ride. It was near sundown 
when they reached the imperial palace, and Ruric was 
conducted at once into the emperor’s presence. 

The Emperor Peter was in one of the smaller audi- 
ence chambers, sitting at a large table covered with pur- 
ple velvet heavily wrought with gold, and upon either 
hand stood some of his private attendants. He was a 
young man, not yet so old as Ruric by some three 
years, but his face already wore a mature look. His 
frame was solid, but not large — being rather slight than 
otherwise in physical bulk. His dress betrayed negli- 
gence and carelessness, and w'as in marked contrast 
with the rich garbs of his attendants. Such was Peter 
of Russia — yet a youth — small in frame, and careless of 
those graces which go to make up the sum of court life ; 
but still able to bear the affairs of a great nation upon 
his shoulders. Within that head worked a mighty 
brain, and in that bosom beat a heart thirsting more 
for the good of Russia than for self or kindred. 

Ruric saw Stephen Urzen and the surgeon there ; and 
he also saw the Duke of Tula there. He met the 
duke’s eye, and a peculiar sensation of fear ran through 
his mind as he saw the stern, threatening expression 
that rested upon Olga’s face. 

“ Sire,” spoke the leader of those who had conducted 
the prisoner thither, “ Ruric Nevel stands before you.” 

Ah,” said Peter, casting his eagle eye over the forms 
before him. Nevel — advance,” 


BEFOEE THE EMPEROR. 


67 


With a bold yet modest step, Euric advanced to the 
table, and with a low bow he awaited the emperor’s 
pleasure. There was a shudder perceptible in the 
frames of those who wished the prisoner well, for well 
they knew their mighty ruler’s iron will and sternness 
of legal purpose. 


68 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


CHAPTER yiL 

A STARTLING TRIAL. 

In order to understand the circumstances under which 
Buric was brought before the emperor it will be neces- 
sary to go back a few hours. The autocrat had occa- 
sion to send for the surgeon, Kopani, who attended at 
the duel, and as he was some time in answering the 
summons, he was questioned, when he did come, con- 
cerning his tardiness. His answer was, that he had 
been attending the Count Damonoff. 

“ And what ails the count ? ” asked the emperor. 
“ He was well yesterday.” 

“ Yes — but he has met with an accident to-day.” 

“ Look you, Kopani,” the young ruler cried, who saw 
in an instant that something unusual had happened, 
“ think not to conceal anything from me. What is it, 
now ? ” 

“ Sire, I meant not to hide anything from you. The 
count hath been engaged in a duel.” 

“ Ha ! — was he challenged? ” 

“ No, sire — he was the challenger.” 

So, so. And who was the other party ? ” 

An humble gunmaker, sire, named Buric Nevel.” 

“ Nevel— Nevel,” soliloquized Peter. “ The name is 
familiar.” 

“ His father was a captain in the last war with the 


A STARTLING TRIAL. 


69 


Turks. He rose from the ranks under Feodor, and was 
one of the bravest of the brave.” 

“ Captain Nevel. Ah, yes. I remember now. He 
and Valdai were the first two that mounted the ram- 
parts at Izium. So the old dispatches read.” 

“ Yes, sire. Poor Nevel was shot a month after- 
wards while leading his brave company against a whole 
squadron of Turkish infantry ; while Valdai came home 
and got a colonel’s commission.” 

“ And afterwards received a title,” added Peter. 

“ Yes, sire.” 

“ And this gunmaker is that captain’s son ? ” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ And rnethinks Valdai left a child.” 

He did, sire — a daughter, who is now with Olga — 
she is his ward.” 

“ Yes, yes. And the count fought a duel with young 
Nevel, and got beaten, eh? ” 

Before the surgeon could answer, a page entered the 
chamber and announced that the Duke of Tula wished 
to see his imperial master. 

The emperor directed that he should be admitted ; 
and ere long afterwards the proud duke entered the 
apartment. He was a tall, stout man, with light hair 
and blue eyes, and not far from five-and-forty years of 
age. His bearing was haughty, though he Avas forced 
to a show of respect now that he was before his master. 

“ Sire,” spoke the duke, after the usual salutations 
had passed, “ I haA^e come to demand justice at thy 
hands. My young friend, the Count Conrad Damonotf, 
has been most brutally murdered.” 

“ Ha I Say you so, Olga ? ” . 


70 


THE GUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


“ Ygs, sire.” 

“ But how was it ? ” 

' “ Thus it was, sire : On the day before yesterday I 
sent the count with a message to one Kuric Nevel, who 
is a gunmaker in the Sloboda. He went, as I wished, 
and, while there, the gunmaker, who is a huge fellow, 
provoked a quarrel, and knocked the nobleman down. 
Of course the count was offended, and as the ruffian 
threatened to repeat the offence, and as he furthermore 
grossly insulted a noble lady whom the count held most 
dear, he could hardly help challenging him. The fellow 
accepted the challenge, and has succeeded by the most 
cowardly manoeuvring, in inflicting upon him a mortal 
wound.” 

“ This is a serious afiair,” said the emperor, who had 
not failed to notice the astonished look of the surgeon 
while the duke was telling his story. 

“ It is most serious, sire ; and surely the ruffian 
should be at once executed.” 

“ But did you not say that the count challenged 
him ? ” 

“ I did, sire ; but you must remember that it was an 
instinct of self-preservation with the noble count. The 
■ fellow would have undoubtedly murdered him had he 
not taken this course.” 

“ Were you present at the duel, my lord ?” 

“ No, sire ; but I have a friend without who was 
present.” 

“ Then you may bring him in.” 

The duke departed, and when he returned Stephen 
Urzen bore him company. 


A STARTLING TRIAL. 71 

This is the man, sire,” Olga said, as he led his com- 
panion forward. 

The emperor gazed upon Urzen a few moments in 
silence, and then he said : 

“ You were present at this duel, were you not, sir?” 

“ I was, sire,” the man answered, bowing low. 

“ And he was at their first meeting also, sire,” inter- 
posed the duke. 

‘‘ Ah— -yes. Then you know all about the affair ?” 

Yes, sire,” answered Urzen. 

Then tell me about it.” 

First, sire/' commenced the man, casting a sort of 
assuring glance at the duke, ‘‘ the count went to the 
gunmaker’s shop to get him to — to — ” 

“ Let me explain here, sire,” interrupted the duke, as 
his puppet hesitated. “ This man may not know prop- 
erly about that mission. Living with me is a young 
girl — a ward of mine — a gentle, timid being, who has 
been somewhat a comfort to me in my loneliness. In 
childhood she was acquainted with this Kuric Nevel, 
and now the fellow has presumed thereupon several 
times to insult her of late with his disgusting familiar- 
ity. She dared not remonstrate with him for fear of 
violence, so she referred the matter to me. The count 
has been anxious to win her for a wife, so I thought him 
not an improper person to send on the delicate mission. 
Accordingly I w rote a sort of promise — in the form of a 
voluntary assurance — pledging the signer not to make 
himself familiar wfith the lady any more. And at the 
same time he received the assurance that his presence 
was very disagreeable to the person mentioned. This, 
I supposed, he would sign at once ; and as the count 


72 


THE GUNMAKEB OP MOSCOW. 


aspired to her hand I deemed it no more than right that 
he should render her this service. Now, sire, this gen- 
tleman may continue.” 

Thus bidden Urzen resumed : 

“ The noble count was desirous, sire, that 1 should 
accompany him, and I did so. Upon reaching the man’s 
shop we found him at work upon a gun-lock, I think. 
He received the note, but refused to sign it. The count 
urged him to sign, in mild, persuasive language, until 
the fellow became insolent. Then he used some stronger 
terms, and I think he made some threat of what he 
would do if his insults to the lady were repeated ; and 
thereupon the gunmaker struck him a furious blow in 
the face and knocked him down. I cannot remember 
all the threatenina language which the fellow used, but 
it was fearful.” 

And how about the duel ? ” asked the emperor. 

In answer to this Urzen related what he had pre- 
pared on the subject ; and it need only be said that the 
report was about on a par with what we have already 
heard. He even went so far as to swear that the count 
had tried repeatedly to compromise mattei*s after the 
conflict had begun — that he begged of Nevel to give up 
the battle ; but that the latter, thirsting for the young 
nobleman’s blood, kept hotly, madly at it ! 

It was at this juncture, and without reference to the 
surgeon, that the emperor sent for Kuric ; and having 
learned that a lieutenant of the Khitagorod guard was 
present at the duel, he sent for him also. Orsa arrived 
first, and was present when Ruric came. 

And now Ruric Nevel stood before his emperor. 


A STARTLING TRIAL. 


73 


Peter gazed upon him for some moments, and then he 
said : 

‘‘ Sir, thy bearing is bold.” 

“ Why should it not be, sire, when I stand before one 
whom I honor and respect and do not fear ? ” So spoke 
Ruric, calmly, and with peculiar dignity. 

“ Not fear? ” repeated the autocrat, sternl}^ 

“ No, sire. Peter of Russia is not a man to be feared 
by those who love and honor him.” 

“ Insolence ! ” uttered the duke. 

The emperor looked up into his face, and he added : 

“ Now, sire, you can see for yourself some of his 
traits of character.” 

Aye,” returned Peter, “ I see. They are wonderful. 
I knew not that among my artisans there were men of 
such boldness.” 

The duke knew not how to interpret this, and he 
moved back a pace. 

“ Now, sir,” resumed Peter, turning to the gunmaker, 
“ how dared you strike a Russian nobleman ? ” 

I did not, sire. Conrad Damonoff came to my shop, 
and he brought me a paper, in which I was required, or 
ordered, to relinquish all claims to the hand of — ” 

“ Sire,” interposed the duke, “ he misstates — ” 

“ Never mind,” broke in the emperor, with an author- 
itative wave of the hand, “ we will hear nothing about 
the lady here. Why did you strike the count ? ” 

“ Because, sire, he descended from his station and 
struck me. He threw away that peculiar shield which 
jshould protect the nobleman, and stru )k me without 
provocation.” 

“ And then you knocked him down ? ” 


u 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


I did, sire.” 

‘‘And perhaps you would have done the same to 
me?” 

“ Sire,” answered the youth, quickly, “ when Damon- 
off tried by threats to make me sign his paper, I told 
him that there was but one man on earth at whose 
order I would do that thing. The man who has the 
riqJd to command shall never have occasion to strike 
me.” 

There was something in this reply, and more in the 
tone and bearing of him who spoke it, that made the 
duke tremble. He saw plainly that the emperor’s eyes 
sparkled witli admiration as they rested upon the.gun- 
maker. 

“ But now about this duel,” resumed the emperor. 

“ How dared you take advantage of the count in the 
conflict ?” 

“ Advantage, sire ?” repeated the youth, in sui-prise. 

“ Aye. Did he not, Stephen Urzen ?” 

“ He did, sire,” replied the man thus addressed. 

“ And which of the two do you call the best swords- 
man ?” Peter asked. 

“ Why, sire, the count is, or was, vastly his superior. 

“ And what say you. Sir Lieutenant ?” 

Alaric trembled, for this was addressed to him. He * 
knew that the duke was anxious to crush his friend, and 
he feared to draw the wrath of that powerful nobleman 
down upon his head. But a happy thought came to his 
aid. 

“ Sire,” he said “ I would rather you would judge of 
that for youiself.” 

“ I judge ? And how am 1 to do that ?” 


A STARTLING TRIAL.' 


?5 


“ Let Ruric Novel’s skill be tried here before you. If 
I mistake not, you have some good swordsmen near 
your palace. There is Demetrius, the Greek.” 

“ What — my Master-at-Arms ?” 

“ Yes, sire.” 

“ Why — he is the best swordsman in my empire. I 
think our young adventurer would fare badly in his 
hands.” 

‘‘ Sire,” spoke Ruric, modestly, but yet frankly, ‘‘ it 
were sure no disgrace to be overcome by your tutor.” 

“ And will you take a turn with him at the swords ?” 

“ Yes, sire — if so it please you.” 

Then,” cried the emperor, leaping up, “ we’ll have 
some diversion out of this trial. What ho, there ! Light 
up the chamber. Let every lamp be lighted, for we 
want sight now. Send Demetrius here — and tell him 
to bring his round -edged swords !” 

Both the duke and Urzen stood aghast at this new 
turn ; but they had one hope : Demetrius might over- 
come the gunmaker so easily that Peter should not see 
his real power. 

Demetrius soon came, and under his arm he carried 
the swords. They were of the common size, but with 
round edges and points on purpose for play. The 
master-at-arms was a powerfully built man, and pos- 
sessed a splendid form. He was a Greek by birth, and 
was now retained by the emperor as a teacher of the 
sword exercise. 

Demetrius,” said Peter, “ I have sent for you to 
entertain us with a show of your skill. Here is a man 
about whose power there is some dispute. Mind you — it 
is all in kindness. Ruric Nevel, take your weapon.” 


76 


THE GiJNMAKEIi OP MOSCOW. 


The youth stepped forward and extended his left hand 
for the sword, and the right hand he extended for the 
other to grasp. It was taken warmly, for the Greek 
saw in an instant that he had a noble man to deal with. 
And those two men were not much unlike in form. 
Demetrius w^as an atom the taller, but Huric showed the 
most muscle. 

The night had come on, but the great lamps w ere all 
lighted, and the room was as bright as day. 

Sir,” said Ruric, addressing the Greek, “ this is none 
of my seeking, though I will confess that for a long 
while I have longed to cross a playful sword with you. 
I play well.” 

“ I like you,” the Greek replied, bluntly and kindly ; 
“ and if you beat me I wiU not like you less. I can 
afford to be beaten once, seeing that thus far I have 
never been since first I offered to fence.” 

“ Come, come,” cried Peter, who was impatient for 
the entertainment, “ let’s see the opening. Now, stand 
aside, gentlemen.” 

Like two twins stood those swordsmen as their 
weapons crossed with a clear, sharp clang. The Greek 
led off carefully, and Ruric as carefully warded every 
stroke. Then the former assumed a guard , and Ruric 
led off in turn. Ere long the swords clashed with 
sharper ring, and soon sparks of fire new out from the 
clanging steel. Louder and louder grew the clang, and 
quicker and quicker grew the stroxes. The thrusts 
were made with skill and force, but as vet neither had 
been touched. 

The emperor was in ecstasy. He Clapped his hands 
and shouted h'avo with all his might. 


A STARTLING TRIAL. 


77 


By and by Biiric’s eye grew more intense in its 
meaning fire. His opponent saw it, but he could not 
tell what it meant. The youth was about to risk the 
most daring feat of all ho knew. Steadil}" burned his 
eye, and his lips were set like steel. At length he saw 
that the Greek was playing for a thrust, and he lowered 
his point. Demetrius saw the chance, and drawing his 
arm quickly back he made the thrust with all his power. 
He was sure now he had won, for there was no earthly 
way in which his point could be struck either down or 
up. But see ! With a gliding motion — a motion al- 
most imperceptible — Buric raises the sword and the 
other slides upon its side, and the other point, instead 
of touching his breast, is caught in the cross-guard of 
his haft. Then, quick as lightning, and with all his 
might, Kuric bends his elbow downward with the 
whole weight of his massive shoulder, and throws his 
wrist upward. On that instant the Greek sees and 
feels what meant that strange fire of the eye. He 
feels his point caught, but before he can close bis grasp 
more firmly the haft is wrenched from his hand — it 
strikes the vaulted ceiling with a dull clang, and de- 
scending, is caught by Kuric Nevel fairly by the hilt! 

For a moment all is still as death in that chamber. 
Kuric is the first to break the silence. He advances to 
the Greek, and as he hands back both swords, he says : 

“ Demetrius, remember your promise. I know you 
are a brave man, for I can see it in your forgiving 
glance. Ton will not like me less for this • . 

“ No ! ” the noble Greek cried, dropping both the 
swords, and extending both hands, which the gunmaker 
grasped. I honor you ! I love you 1 ” 


78 


THE G UNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


Peter Alexiowitz, the impetuous emperor — then in 
the zeal and fire of youth — leaped from his standing- 
place and caught Kuric by the hand. 

“ By St. Michael ! ” he cried, earnestly and loudly, 
“ you stand clear of all blame, for full well do I now 
know that had you so desired you could have slain 
Conrad Damonoff at your first intent.” 

“ Sire,” answered the youth, now speaking tremu- 
lously, “ twice did I disarm the count, and yet spare 
him. And when in my rage I broke his weapon in 
twain to bring him to his senses, he seized a second 
sword.” 

“ Sir Duke,” spoke the emperor, turning towards 
Olga, who stood trembling with rage and mortification, 
‘‘ you see you must have labored under a mistake. You 
can retire now. Not a word, sir ! ” 

With quivering lip and trembling step the duke left 
the apartment, and after him went Stephen Urzen. 

“ Now, Buric Nevel, if you leave Moscow without my 
consent, you do so at your peril. I would not lose sight 
of you. You are at liberty.” 

In an hour more Buric was upon his mother’s bosom. 
He told her all that had happened — all but the last 
words of the emperor. He did not tell her of those, for 
he knew not whether they boded him good or evil. 



THE MASK FALLS FEOM A VILLAIN’s FACE. 


79 


CHAPTER YIII. 

THE MASK FALLS FROM A VILLAIn’s FACE. 

It was about two weeks after the events last recorded 
that Rosalind Yaldai sat in her own apartment, with 
Zenobie for her companion. It was in the afternoon, 
and a severe storm was raging without. 

“Now, Zenobie,” spoke the beautiful maiden, “ we 
have a moment alone — the first since morning. And 
now tell me about that black monk. What did he say 
his name was ?” 

“ Vladimir.” 

“ Ah, yes. I have heard his name, and, if I mistake 
not, he is a sort of mysterious being.” 

“ He is, my mistress ; and I am just as confident 
that I have seen him before as I am that I have seen 

V 

you before.” 

“ How ? Seen him before ?’ 

“ Yes.” 

“ But where ?” 

“ Ah,” returned the young girl with a dubious shake 
of the head, “ there is the mystery. For the life of me 
I cannot tell. He knew me — he knows .everybody — 
and yet he has not been long in the city, if one might 
judge from his conversation.” 

“ But what did he stop you for ? Where was it ?” 
asked Rosalind, eagerly. 


80 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ It was in the church he stopped me — in our church 
of St. Stephen. He was at the altar, and he beckoned 
to me as I arose to come out. I went to him and he 
asked me about you ?” 

About me ?” 

Yes — and about Kuric Nevel.” 

And what about us ?” the maiden asked, blushing. 

“ He asked me if I thought you loved the young gun- 
maker. He was so kind — and he seemed so anxious to 
know — and then he seemed to take such an interest in 
Kuric, that I could not refuse to answer him.” 

“ But what did you tell him ? ” 

“ I told him you did love Kuric. I told him how you 
had been children together — and how you would now 
give your hand to him sooner than to the proudest noble 
in the land. He asked me some things about the duke, 
but I would not tell him that. When I must tell of 
evil if I tell the truth, I will not speak if I can properly 
avoid it.” 

“ You were right, Zenobie. You were very right — 
about this last part ; but you should not have told all 
you knew concerning me and Kuric.” 

“ I hope I did nothing wrong. Oh ! I should be 
proud to acknowledge my love for such a man.” 

“ Aye — and so am I, my little sprite. I love Kuric 
with my whole soul, and would bo proud to give him 
my hand this day ; but that is no reason why you 
should tell of it.” 

Surely, my mistress, I meant no harm,” the young 
girl cried, eagerly. 

“ Hush, Zenobie. I do not blame you. Only I 
would have you careful.” 


THE MASK FALLS FROM A VILLAIN’s FACE. 


81 


And I would be careful. But oli ! you could not 
have resisted him. He drew it from me almost ere I 
knew it. He put his questions in such a strange man- 
ner that I could not speak without telling him what he 
wanted to know. He did not say, ‘ Does she love 
Ruric Nevel ? ’ but he took it for granted that such was 
the case, and then ere I was aware of it he had made 
me say so. But he surely does not mean you harm ; 
nor does he mean harm to Euric. He is a good man, I 
know.” 

‘‘ I wish I could see him,” said Rosalind, half to her- 
self. 

“ You cannot mistake him if you ever do see him, my 
mistress. He is a strange-looking man ; and then he 
dresses differently from most of our church officers. 
He dresses all in black — to-day it was in black velvet. 
But his shape is his most striking characteristic. He 
is the fattest man in Moscow, and his chin seems to 
sink clear out of sight. He would be a funny man, and 
would make me laugh, if he did not puzzle me so.” 

And did he ask you about anything else ?” 

“ No — only he asked me if I knew how the duke 
stood with the emperor, and I told him I thought he 
stood very well. Then he said he had heard that they 
had had some dispute concerning the duel between the 
Count Damonoff and Ruric. But I told him I guessed 
that had resulted in no estrangement, for the duke was 
as much at court as ever. And after that he told me, , 
about the duel, as he was there and saw nearly the 
whole of the affair.” 

And Zenobie went on and told all that the monk re- 
lated about Ruric’s bravery, and Rosalind listened now 


82 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


attentively and eagerly. It was a theme that pleased 
her. The attendant saw how gratefully the account 
came upon the ears of her mistress, and she closed the 
recital with some opinions of her own, wherein Ruric 
Nevel was held up as a pattern after which all men who 
wished to win the love of woman should be made. 

But before any answer could be made by Rosalind 
the door of the apartment was opened, and the duke 
entered. He smiled very kindly as he bowed to his 
ward, and then, with a wave of his hand, he motioned 
for Zenobie to withdraw ; and after the attendant was 
gone he took a seat close by his fair charge. The 
maiden looked up into his face, and though there was 
no very serious look there as yet, still she could plainly 
see that he had something of more than usual impor- 
tance in his mind. She shuddered as she gazed upon 
him, for she could not help it. There was something 
in the look of the man — a sort of hidden intent which 
came out in his tone and glance — a deep meaning — 
something which he had never spoken, but which was 
yet manifest — that moved her thus. What it was she 
could not tell. It was the prompting of that instinct 
of the human soul which may repel an object while yet 
the working mind detects nothing evil. 

But she was not to remain in the dark much longer. 
The evil one was loose, and his bonds of restraint were 
cast off. He had marked his prey, and the meshes 
were gathering about it. 

“ Rosalind,” the duke said, in a tone which he meant 
should have been easy and frank, but which, neverthe- 
less, was marked strongly with effort, “ there is some 


THE MASK FALLS FROM A VILLAIN’S FACE. 83 

talk among the surgeons now that Count Damonoff may 
recover.” 

“ Oh, I am glad of that,” Rosalind earnestly replied 

“ YeS; I suppose so,” resumed Olga, eyeing her 
sharply. “ But you have no particular care for him, T 
presume.” 

“ For — for — the count.” 

“ Aye — it was of him I was speaking.” 

No, sir. I care only for him as I care for all who 
need to become better ere they die.” 

“ Aha — yes,” said the duke, biting his lip, for in his 
own mind he had the frankness to acknowledge that he 
was about as needy of virtue as was the count. But,” 
he resumed with a faint smile, “ you never loved the 
man ? ” 

‘‘ No, sir,” the maiden answered, gazing up into her 
guardian’s face with an inquisitive look. 

So I thought — so I thought.” As Olga thus spoke 
he smiled again, and moved his chair nearer to Rosa- 
lind. “ I am well aware,” he resumed, “ that your af- 
fections have not 3’^et been set upon any one who is 
capable of making a proper companion for you through 
all the ups and downs of coming life.” 

Rosalind’s eyes drooped beneath the steady gaze of 
the speaker and her frame trembled. But ere she 
could make any reply the duke went on : 

“ My dear Rosalind, I have come now upon a busi- 
ness which I may justly call the most important of my 
life. I have not approached this subject lightly, nor ‘ 
with over zeal ; but I have come to it through careful 
consideration and anxious study.” 

Here the duke stopped and gazed into Rosalind’s 


84 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


face. Slie mot his gaze, and her eyes drooped again. 
She trembled more than before, and a dim, dreadful 
fear worked its way to her mind. 

“ Eosalind,” the nobleman continued, “ when I was 
but nineteen years of age I was married with a girl 
whom I loved. She lived with me four short, hap- 
py years. In that time we were blessed with two 
children, but they lived not long to cheer us. And 
then my beautiful wife died, and the world w'as all dark 
and drear to me. I thought I should never love again. 
Time passed on, and you were placed in my charge. 
When you first came I loved you ; and I wondered if 
you were to take the place of the children I had lost. 
But you grew quickly up. Your mind was expanded, 
and your heart was large. I found that I could not make 
a child of you ; and then I sat down all alone and asked 
myself what place it was you had assumed in my heart. 
Can you guess the answer, Rosalind ? ” 

“ As a little child,” answered the maiden, trembling 
violently. 

“No, no, sweet one. I pondered, and I studied ; and 
I examined myself carefully ; and I found that the mem- 
ory of my departed wife was fast fading away before 
the rising of another one just as pure and just as holy. 
Now do you understand ? ” 

“ No, no — Oh, no ! ” the maiden uttered in a fright- 
ened whisper. 

“ Then listen further,” continuea the nobleman, in a 
low, earnest tone, and with a strange fire in his deep 
blue eyes : “As your charms of both mind and per- 
son were gradually developed I came to look upon you 
with new feelings, or, I should say, with the old feeling 


THE MASK FALLS FROM A VILLAIn’s PACE. 85 

more fully developed. I looked around me. I saw my 
sumptuous palace without a legitimate female head. In 
my parties I had no companion to assist and guide me, 
and in my loneliness I had no mate to cheer and enli- 
ven me. I wished not that such should be the case. At 
length my eyes were opened, and I saw plainly the 
spirit that was moving upon my soul. I looked upon 
you, and I knew that I had found the woman who was 
to give me joy once more. Rosalind, I love you trul}", 
fondly ; and I would make you my wife. Now you can- 
not fail to understand me — can you ? ” 

Rosalind gazed up into the face of her guardian, and 
she was pale as death. 

“ You do not mean — Oh !” 

It was a deep, painful groan, and the fair girl clasped 
her hands towards the man before her. 

“ Hold,” he said, almost sternly. “ I am not trifling 
now. I am not only serious, but firm in purpose. 
When you were placed under my charge your father 
bade me do as I would ; and now I would make you my 
wdfe. The Count Damonoff was the first who came for 
your hand, and had he been a proper man, and had you 
loved him, I should have interposed no objections ; but 
you did not love him, and that affair is passed. Now I 
lay my claim upon you, and my fortune and title I lay 
at your feet.” 

** And what is to become of my estate ?” the maiden 
asked, quickly and meaningly, for the thought flashed- 
uj^on her. 

Why, we’ll have the two united,” returned the duke, 
witn some hesitation. 


86 THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 

“ No, no,” Bosalind cried ; “ you will not do this. 
Oh, spare me from such a fate !” 

“ Spare thee, girl ? Spare thee from becoming the 
wife of one of the most powerful noblemen in the em- 
pire ? You must be crazy.” 

“ My guardian,” said Rosalind, now looking her com- 
panion steadily in the face, “ you only do this to try 
me. When you know that such a union would make 
me miserable forever — when you know it would cast out 
all the joys of life, and extinguish the last hope of 
peace from my soul, you surely will not press it.” 

“ Rosalind Yaldai, I have resolved that you shall be 
my wife. Mind you, this is one of the firm, fixed pur- 
poses of my soul ; and those who know the Duke of 
Tula best know that he never gives up a purpose once 
fixed in his mind. You cannot mistake me now.” 

Slowly the stern fact dawned upon Rosalind’s mind. 
There had been a lingering hope that he might be onl;y 
trying to see if she loved him, or if she would willingly 
become his wife. Awhile she remained with her head 
bowed, and her bosom heaving with the wild emotion 
thus called up, but at length she looked up and spoke : 

“Sir,” she said, faintly, but with marked decision, 
“you cannot make me your wife.” 

“ Ah ! and why not ? ” 

“ Because I will never consent.” 

“ Ah, say you so ? ” 

“ I do ; and mean it.” 

“ Ha, ha, ha ! You know little of my power if you 
think you can thwart me in my purpose. I tell thee, as 
eui’e as the God of heaven lives, you shall be my wife ! ” 
“ No, no. Before heaven, I protest against such an 


I’HE MASK FALLS FROM A VILLAIN’s FACE. 8? 

nnholy union. You cannot have my heart, and sueh a 
union would be but foul mockery.” 

“ Oho — now you come to the point. I can’t have 
your heart, eh ? Perhaps your heart is given to the 
gunmaker ? ” 

Rosalind’s eyes flashed in an instant. The words of 
the duke were spoken sneeringly and contemptuously, 
and they jarred upon the fair girl’s soul. 

“Aye,” she quickly uttered, and boldly, too, “ I do 
love Ruric Nevel ; and he is worthy of my love.” 

“ Now, my pretty ward,” resumed Olga, in a tone of 
peculiar irony, “ you have spoken as I hoped you Vv^ould 
speak — plainly and to the point ; so I can answer just 
as plainly. Know, then, that Ruric Nevel can never be 
your husband. He stands charged with a horrid crime, 
and the emperor only waits to see whether the count 
recovers or not ere he awards the punishment. The 
gunmaker is forbidden, on pain of death, to leave the 
city. So you may cast him from your thoughts as soon 
as possible.” 

“ What crime is Ruric accused of?” the maiden 
asked. 

“ Of murder.” 

“ In wounding the count ?” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Oh, how can you bring your tongue to such speech ? 
You know the noble youth was not to blame in this af- 
fair. He was — ” 

I « 

“ Hold, Rosalind. I want no argument on this ques- 
tion. You have heard what I have said, and be assured 
that I mean it. I had hoped you would receive my pro- 
posal with more favor ; but I did not enter into the 


88 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


plan until my mind was all made up, and tlie thing all 
fixed. You will become my wife within a month !” 

I will flee to the emperor,” gasped Rosalind. 

“ You will not leave this place again until you are the 
Duchess of Tula /” 

I will never speak the word that is necessary to 
make me your wife — never ! At the altar, if you be by 
my side, my lips shall be sealed, and no power on earth 
shall loose them !” 

“ Do you mean this ?” whispered the duke. 

‘‘ As God lives, I do.” 

“ Then mark me.” The stout, dark nobleman gazed 
fixedly into the maiden’s face as he spoke, and in his 
look and tone there was a fiendish expression which 
could not be mistaken. “ Rosalind Yaldai,” he hissed, 
“ you shall be my wife. My will shall be your master ! 
And if you attempt to set me at defiance, I will find 
means to make you repent your audacity, with tears of 
anguish during every hour of your life.” 

With one deep, soul-dying moan, the poor girl sank 
down shivering and pale. The duke caught lior as she 
fell, and liaving laid her senseless form back upon the 
couch, he strode from the apartment. 


THE MASK FALLS AND REVEALS THE HEART. 89 


CHAPTER IX. 

THE MASK FALLS AND REVEALS THE HEART. 

It was early evening ere Zenobie entered the apartment 
of her young mistress. As she opened the door she found 
dark within. She moved into the room, and shading 
her candle with her hand, she gazed about. Tha wind 
still howled fearfully without, and the snow came driv- 
ing against the windows. When the girl had reached 
the extremity of the place she called her mistress’s name, 
and was answered by a low groan from the couch in 
the corner. Thither she hastened, and there she found 
her mistress. 

“ Rosalind ! My mistress ! ” she cried, kneeling 
down. 

“ Who is it ? ” the maiden asked, starting up, and 
gazing frantically around. 

“ It is I — Zenobie. Say, my dear good mistress, 
what is it ? What is the matter ? What has happened ?” 

With a quick movement Rosalind put her attendant 
away and sat up ; and having gazed about her for some 
moments, she murmured : 

“ Where am I ? Who is here ? ” 

“ It is I. You are in your own chamber. Come, you 
are cold here.” • « 

Without resistance the maiden suffered herself to be 
led to the place wliere the heated air came up the 
from the furnace below, and there she sat down. 


90 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


What is it ? ” again asked Zenobie, eagerly. “ Whai 
has happened? 

Rosalind bowed her head upon her hands, and after 
some moments of thought she looked up. She was very 
pale, and a fearful tremor shook her frame. 

“Zenobie,” she uttered, in a low strange whisper, 
“ ask me no more now. I am not well. Oh, ask ma 
no more now.” 

** My mistress,” returned the faithful girl, placing one 
arm about Rosalind’s neck, “ you know what you may 
tell me, and what you may not; but whom will you 
trust if you trust not me ? Oh, give me your love, and 
if I can serve you let me do so.” 

I would trust you with life itself,” the maiden re- 
plied ; and some time you shall know all that has 
happened here ; but not now — not now. Oh, I cannot 
speak it now.” 

‘‘ Say no more, my mistress ; only let me serve you. 
You will have some refreshment — something to eat ? ” 

“ You may bring me some wine, Zenobie.” 

And thereupon the young girl hastened away. 

In the meantime the duke was in his private room 
below. He was pacing to and fro across the floor with 
his hands behind him, and his brow Avas dark and low- 
ering. Ever and anon he Avould stop near the door and 
listen, and then proceed. At length there came a rap 
upon the door, and the duke said “ Enter.” It Avas a 
priest who entered the apartment — a small, deformed 
man, someAvhat about fifty years of age. Plis face Avas 
very dark ; his features sharp and angular ; his eyes 
dark and sunk deep into his head ; his broAV heavy 
above the eyes, where the shaggy broAA's hung over, but 


THE MASK FALLS AND EVEALS THE HEABT. 9l 


Bloping back from thence, leaving the points where 
phrenologists locate Benevolence and Veneration defi- 
cient and fiat. Upon his shoulders he wore a huge, un- 
gainly hump ; and, all in all, he was just such a man as 
a timid person would shun. His name was Savotano. 
The duke had been the means of getting him into the 
church, and in consideration thereof he had bound 
himself to do the duke’s evil work. But this was not 
all. 

Some years before there had been a murder in Mos- 
cow, and Savotano did the bloody deed. It was a work 
of pure vengeance. Olga had him apprehended ; but 
he was not brought to justice. The duke found him to 
be a shrewd, unscrupulous wretch, willing to serve those 
who would pay him well, and ready to let himself then 
to any one who could save his life. Olga was a man of 
plots and schemes. He fancied that such a man as 
Savotano might be of use to him ; so he proposed to 
save the wretch if he would serve him. The villain was 
glad enough to accf3pt the proposition, and the bargain 
was made. Could Savotano enter the church, and as- 
sume the sacred garb, he might in many cases work to 
better advantage. The wretch readily agreed to this, 
too ; and through Olga’s powerful influence he gained 
a place in the church. He knew that the duke held 
his very life, and he failed not to serve him. His cleri- 
cal robes shielded him from suspicion ; and, moreover, 
the place gave him additional advantages to work at 
his diabolical trade. His salary from government was 
suflicient for his support, while an occasional sum from 
his master enabled him to enjoy many of those luxuries 
which were denied to most of his brethren. Olga feared 


92 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


not to trust this man, for the fellow had nothing to gaia 
bj betrayal, but everything to lose. 

And such was the man who now entered the duke’s 
private room. He entered with a bold air, for though 
he was somewhat in the duke’s power, yet there was a 
peculiar satisfaction in knowing that when he fell the 
noble lord must fall with him, part way, at least. 
Brethren in crime cannot count much upon respect. 

“ I have come, my lord,” the priest said, as he shook 
the snow from his robe, and then took a seat by the 
furnace -pipe. 

“ And how is the count? ” asked Olga. 

He is recovering, I am sure.” 

“ Does Kopani say so ? ” 

*‘Yes. He says he will have him out within a 
month.” 

“ No, no ! Savotano, this must not be.” 

“ But tell me, my lord, what is the particular need of 
the count’s departing ? ” 

The duke gazed his visitor a few moments in the face, 
and then he said : 

“ Why, since the affair interests you. I’ll tell you. 
Thus far I have paid you promptly all your dues, but I 
cannot do so much longer unless we can make some of 
our points work. My property is on the decrease fast. 
I have not enough left to live on. Within the past three 
years I have made some bad ventures. I put into — 
But never mind — suffice it for me to say that I am at 
the end of my fortune.” 

The duke was about to say that he had placed large 
sums in the hands of the Minister Galitzin for the pur- 
pose of carrying out the conspiracy by which the 


THE MASK FALLS AND REVEALS THE HEART. 93 

Princess Sophia was to have been placed upon the 
throne, with Galitzin for her prime minister, and him- 
self also high in power. He chose not to tell of this — 
and no wonder, for heads had ere then be taken to pay 
for such indiscretions. 

“ And now, if this count survives, I thus have one 
source cut off. My half of Drotzen is used up and 
mortgaged to him, but if he-dies the whole comes to me. 
His father and myself married sisters, and they owned 
Drotzen, and on his side the count is the only heir ; so 
in the event of his death the whole comes to me. You 
understand this now.” 

Perfectly,” returned the priest. “ And ’tis a pity 
your first effort did not succeed.” 

So it is,” said the duke, uneasily. “ AYlien I sent 
him with that message to the gunmaker I felt sure he 
would be slain, and then I hoped that the other could 
be disposed of for having slain him. But the emperor 
has turned all my plans upside down, for the present, 
at least. Savotano, you must have a hand in Damon- 
off’s medicine ! ” 

“ That is easily done, my lord,” re[)lied the priest, 
quietly. 

“You have free access there ?” 

“ Yes.” 

“ And can you not watch with him some night ?” 

“ I think I can.” 

“ Then do so. When he is dead two hundred ducats 
are yours.” • * 

4 / 

“ Then he dies ! ” 

“ Good ! And now there is one more. This gun- 
maker must bo got out of the way.” 


04 


THE OUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


Ah,” uttered Savotano, looking up incredulously. 

Do you mean so ?” 

Most assuredly I do.” 

“ But why him ?” 

‘‘ Do you fear to undertake the work ?” 

“ Not at all, my lord ; I only wished to know why he 
was wanted out of the way.” 

The reason is simple. I must marry with Eosa- 
lind Yaldai. Her property is worth the whole of Drot- 
zen twice told — over two million of ducats.” 

“ So much ?” uttered the priest, opening his eyes 
with greedy wonder. 

Yes ; it is one of the finest estates in Moscow, and 
it pays her now a yearly income of a hundred thousand 
ducats. She does not know it. Ha, ha, ha ! ” 

“ Ha, ha, ha 1 ” laughed the priest in concert. ‘‘ She 
doesn’t, eh ? ” 

No — she knows nothing about it. But I must 
secure this ; and in order to do this I must marry her ; 
and — if I would be sure of that this accursed gunmaker 
must be got out of the way.” 

“ But what is he to her ? ” 

“ She loves him.” 

“ And is not your authority — ” 

“ Hold, Savotano. I’ll explain to you, in a few words 
I’m afraid the emperor has taken a fancy to this young- 
ster, and if he has he may be appealed to in this case. 
The girl will take marriage hard. I shall have to hire 
you to perform the ceremony.” 

‘‘ Which I should be pleased to do,” returned the 
priest with a coarse smile, 


THE MASK FALLS AND REVEALS THE HEART. 95 


You shall have the opportunity. But first w® must 
have this young Nevel taken care of.” 

“ I think I can manage that, my lord.” 

And how will you do it ? ” 

‘‘ I suppose you don’t want him put where he can get 
off and come back here.” 

‘‘ No. Finish him while you are about it! ” 

I will.” 

“ But mind : It must be done so that in no possible 
way suspicion can fall upon me. You must contrive 
some way so that suspicion shall be led at once to some 
apparent point and there baffled.” 

Leave me alone for that, my lord. I can call help 
if I want it.” 

Are there not places in the city where a body can 
be hidden ? — where they may be so disposed of as never 
to be found ? ” asked the duke, as the thought came to 
his mind. 

“ Never mind,” returned the other, with a confident 
nod of the head. “ If I meddle with with the matter, it 
shall be well done.” 

“ Very well. I’ll trust it with you.” 

For a few moments after this there was a dead si- 
lence, during which only the moaning of the wind could 
be heard. But at length the duke started up, and with 
sudden energy he said : 

“Ah, Savotano, there is one thing I came nigh for- 
getting. You have heard of this strange monk— Vladi- 
mir his name is.” 

4 

« Aye — and I have seen him, too. You mean that 
huge lump of human fat ?” 

“Yes. And now tell me who and what he is. He was 


96 


THE G UNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


at the duel ; and I know lie lias been here to mj house. 
Who is he ?” 

“ You ask me too much, my lord, for I can tell you 
no more about him than I can about the man in the 
moon. In short, no one seems to know him, save that 
he is a monk of some Roman order, and named Yladi- 
mir. He has been here only a few months, as near as I 
can find out. And yet I think I know what his busi- 
ness is or, at least, why he’s here.” 

“Ah — you suspect.” 

“ Yes — and if my suspicions be correct we could 
have him taken care of at any moment.” 

“ Explain.” 

“ Why — I think he is a spy of the pope — sent her© 
from Rome to learn something of our emperor’s plans.” 

“ But he has not visited the imperial palace.” 

“ 0, yes, my lord. He has been there several times ; 
and once the emperor himself was obliged to send him 
out of the audience chamber.” 

“ But have you any particular reasons for thinking 
him a spy from the pope ?” 

“ Why — he is a Romish monk ; and he hangs about 
the most important places in our city. Even the cir- 
cumstance I have just related — his trying to remain in 
the audience chamber while private business was going 
on, and having to be ordered out by the emperor, is 
some ground for suspicion. I mean to watch him, at 
all events.” 

“ That’s right,” returned the duke. And then, after 
a moment’s thought, he added — “ I do not see why he 
should be around after every petty duel that may be 
fought, if he is a spy from Rome, And besides, I have 


THE MASK FALLS AND EEVEALB THE HEART. 97 


heard one or two persons say that they were sure they 
had seen him before.” 

“ O, that may be only the result of some strong re- 
semblance which he bears to some one else. I am sura 
he was never here before — not in Moscow.” 

Again the hump-backed priest was cautioned about 
the work he had in hand, and having promised over 
and over again to be very careful, he took his leave. 

And Olga, Duke of Tula, was left alone with his own 
thoughts. Better for him had that wicked priest been 
his executioner ! Better for him had he been upon the 
count’s bed, racked with dying pains ! Better for him 
had he been a poor gunmaker, so he had been honest ! 
Oh ! better for him had he been the meanest beggar 
that walked the earth, than what he was ! But he did 
not realize this. He had a goal ahead, and he tried to 
overlook the black, dreadful gulf that yawned between 
him and it 1 


98 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


CHAPTER X. 

A STRANGE DISCOVERY. 

The news went out that the Count Conrad Damonoflf 
must die. A few days before, the best surgeon in Mos- 
cow said he would recover ; but now that same surgeon 
said he must fall. A strange change had come over 
him ; it was not a fever, but rather a consuming of vi- 
tality. He Avas failing fast, and no art of medicine 
could reviA’e him. Some thought he must be bleeding 
inwardly, but others knew better than this, because in 
that case there Avould be some outward symptom. The 
wound itself was healing, but the disease was not. The 
physician and the priest were now in daily, and the 
former in almost hourly, attendance. The surgeon Avas 
Kopani, and the priest AA^as the hump-backed Savo- 
tano ! 

Thus lay the count upon his bed, Aveak and faint, but 
at present almost free from pain, and an old Avoman 
was his only attendant, the priest having just left. It 
was just after noon. The dying man had just taken a 
powerful stimulating draught, though it Avas against 
the injunctions of the priest, as he said that by such 
means the invalid might die bereft of sense, and thus 
lose his hold upon salvation — he had just taken this 
draught when there Avas a low rap upon the door. The 
woman arose to answer the summons. She conversed 
a few moments Avith the girl Avho had knocked, and 


A STRANGE DISCOVERY. 


99 


when she returned to the bed she {innounced that Euric 
Nevel wished to enter. 

“ Let him come in,” whispered the count. 

“ But—” 

“ Never mind,” he interrupted, as the woman com^ 
menced thus to expostulate. “ Let him come in. If 
he is my enemy let me see him. It may serve to arouse 
me.” 

So the woman went to the door again, and soon after- 
wards Buric Nevel entered the apartment. He stepped 
lightly, noiselessly, to the bedside, but it was moments 
ere he could distinguish objects by the subdued light 
of the place. By and by, however, he overcame the 
difficulty, and he started back in horror as he beheld 
■ the features of his adversary. How pale and sunken ! 
How deathlike and ghastly ! The count noticed the 
movement and he noticed the look. 

“ Conrad Damonoff,” said the gunmaker, in a low, 
solemn tone, “ a few days since I heard that you were 
recovering, and I thanked God. But to-day they told 
me you were dying, and I have come to ask that I may 
take your hand ere you pass away from earth. As God 
is my Maker and my Judge, I would rather lie dowm 
here and die for you than have you pass away with a 
curse of me upon your soul or on your lips. Forgive 
me for what I have done, and never again will I engage 
in such a wicked work. For my own life, it is my 
country’s and my mother’s, and I have no right to 
throw it away; and my antagonist’s hfo is the sacred 
property of God, which I have no right to touch but in 
self-defence. Forgive me.” 


100 


THE GUNMAKEli OF MOSCOW. 


Slowly and lieavily moved the dying man over, and 
then he extended his thin and wasted hand. 

“ Euric,” he said — and his voice was stronger now, 
for the potion was working — “I am glad you have 
come — very glad ; for I have wished, above all else of 
earth, to see you. I could not send for you, for I knew 
not hov/ you miglit come. I have been all wrong in the 
things that have passed betwixt thee and me. I was 
mad, and a fool. I blame you not ; but rather do I 
thank you for your kindness through all this scene. I 
forgive you with all my heart ; and now teJl me that I 
am forgiven !” 

Forgiven!” repeated Euric, with a trembling lip, 
still holding the count’s hand within both his own. 
“ Oh, would to God I could call you back to life 1 For- 
given ? God, who reads all hearts, knows how humble, 
how sacred is my forgiveness to you 1 Could I call you 
back — could I wipe out the past from my memory, I 
could die content.” 

“ Enough,” returned the count warmly. “This was 
my dearest wish, though pride has kept back its utter- 
ance. I feared you would gloat over my death — that 
you would be glad when I was gone.” 

“No, no — I should have been a monster then.” 

“ There are many such. And yet I wronged you by 
the thought. But I could not help it.” 

A moment more passed in silence, and then the in- 
valid resumed : 

“ There is one reason why I should like to live ; I 
should be prepared for a better life. Since death has 
come — since I have known that he stood waiting bv 
my bed— I have wondered at the evil life I have led ; 


A STEANGE DISCOVERY. 


101 


and I have thought that if the dark king would let me 
remain here a few years more I could be a better man. 
But ’tis too late now. The die is cast. Yet I have 
some joy in this. You have shed a happy light upon 
my dying hour. God bless you.” 

Buric’s feelings were easily moved, and there was 
something in the deep solemnity of this occasion that 
started his heart to a tender mood, and the last words 
of the dying man overflowed the cup. He bowed his 
head, and covering his eyes with one hand, while he 
held in the other the hand of Conrad, he wept freely 
and silently. 

At this moment the woman arose and left the room. 

“ She’s gone,” said the count, after he had recovered 
somewhat from the deep emotions which had been 
stirred within his own soul. “ Sit down here beside 
me.” 

Buric obeyed the request, and after he had seated 
himself he gazed sadly into the sick man’s face. 

“ Say, Buric,” the count asked, while an eager look 
overspread his face, “ was’t true what Kopani told me 
that you overcame Demetrius the Greek with the 
sword ?” 

“ I did,” the youth replied, in a whisper. 

“ But you did not disarm him ? — you did not fairly 
take his sword from him ?” 

“ I did, Conrad.” 

“ My soul, is it possible ? And where have you been 
all your life ?” 

“ In Moscow and in Spain.” 

“ And yet obscure.” 

Never mind that now,” interposed Buric.” I 


102 


THE GUNMAICER OF MOSCOW. 


have something of more interest. Do you — But you 
will pardon me for what I may say, for I assure you I 
mean it all for your good.” 

“ Speak on,” said Conrad, at the same time running 
his eyes almost enviously over the gunmaker’s nobly- 
developed breast and shoulders. 

“ Then, first — I have just come from the lady Bosa- 
lind. Ah! I meant not — ” 

“ Go on. I may have felt a pang at the mention of 
that name, but I know she loves you, and were I strong 
at this moment as ever I’d relinquish all claims of her 
to you. So fear not.” 

“ Thank you. Count, for this. But I was remarking : 
I am not long from her presence, and between us both 
we have suspected some dark things. Do you think 
the duke was really your friend ?” 

The count started, and a strange gleam shot from his 
eyes. 

“ Go on,” he uttered. 

“ Then listen : Before you ever came to my shop the 
duke had most solemnly promised Rosalind that she 
should receive no more trouble from you — that you 
would claim her hand no more.” 

“ Do you know this ?” 

“Ido.” 

“ But it cannot be. AVhy should he have sent me on 
that mission to you ?” 

“ I had taught one of his officers the sword exercise, 
and he knew I was your superior in strength and the 
use of the weapon.” 

“Well — go on,” whispered the count, nervously and 
anxiously. 


A StkANGJ: DISCOtERT. 


103 


“ Wlij — lie thoiiglit very likely that we should not 
meet on such a question without a quarrel. He knew 
your natural impetuosity and my strength of arm, and 
he hoped you — would fall.” 

“ But — go on !” 

“ His estate is running out, and he wants the whole 
of Drotzen !” 

“ Ah ! I see it now 1” 

“The duke has proposed himself for Kosalind’s 
I hand,” resumed Kuric. “ He says he has loved her long, 
and he will force her to wed him if he can, though it 
break her heart !” 

“ Ha I ” gasped the count, fairly starting up to a sit- 
ting posture. “ How blind I have been I By my soul 
he never was cordial — never kind.” 

t 

Rurio gently laid the sick man back, and then he 
said : 

“ From all I can see and understand, the proud duke 
meant to get all your wealth and all of Rosalind’s.” 

The count spoke not yet. He lay with his eyes 
closed, and groaned in the agony of the strange revela- 
tions that were breaking in upon him. 

But see ? Why starts Ruric so suddenly ? — and why 
does he turn so pale ? Why do his hands tremble ?— - 
and why is his brow bent so eagerly ? 

“What is it?” asked the count, startled by the 
strange event. 

“ Hold ! ” whispered Ruric, in a frantic tone. “ You 
were recovering once ? ” , , 

“ From this wound ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Yes. I was getting well fast, and the doctor said I 


104 


THE GTJNMAKF.B OF MOSCOW. 


should be stout and well in a month. But suddenly 
this change came on.\ Let’s see — on Friday morning I 
felt the first relapse.” 

“ The very time ! ” gasped Buric to himself. 

The count moved his head forward, and would have 
caught his companion by the hand if he could. “ For 
mercy’s sake, Buric, what is it ? ” 

“ As I came this way I saw a hump-backed priest 
pass out from this house ? ” said the gunmaker, inter- 
rogatively. 

“ Yes, yes,” returned the count, speaking shortly and 
quickly. It was Savotano. He has attended me. 
The duke recommended him.” 

“ And was he here Thursday night ? ” 

” Thursday ? Ah — yes — he watched with me that 

night.” 

And has he been in attendance since ? ” 

“ Yes — every day. But why do you ask ? Say — 
what is that meaning upon your face ? What is it ? ” 

At this moment the door of the apartment was 
quietly, noiselessly opened, and Kopani, the surgeon, 
entered the place. 

“ Ha!” cried Buric, starting towards him, and grasp- 
ing him by the arm, “your patient is poisoned! A 
deadly poison has been given him, and it is even now 
eating his life away !” 

“ Impossible!” gasped the surgeon, straining his eyes 
to see plainly who it was that spoke to him. “ Ah,” he 
uttered, as he became somewhat used to the gloom of 
the apartment, “ is it you, sir ?” 

“ Aye, but mind not that now. Cannot you do 
sontething for the count? He has been poisoned!” 


A STRANGE DISCOVERY. 105 

“ It cannot be!’* 

** I am I I am!” cried Conrad Damonoif, starting up 
k> a sitting posture; ‘‘lie speaks the truth! That 
accursed priest ! Oh, Olga ! Olga ! I never dreamed 
that thou wast mine enemy!” 

“ But what is it all ?” the surgeon asked, gazing 
first upon Kuric and then upon the count. “ Speak, 
some one.” 

“ Tell him,” groaned Conrad. 

“ Listen,” said the gunmaker. “ I have my sus- 
picions, but mind you, they are founded on facts, and 
the facts are these : The Duke of Tula is well-nigh free 
from the possession of property. His half of Drotzen 
is all mortgaged, and he wants the other half. That 
other half he cannot have while Damonotf lives. The 
duke, too, has sworn that Eosalind Valdai shall be 
his wife — so he would have her property also. This 
hump-backed priest is Olga’s special tool. It was Olga 
got him into the church, and it was Olga "who freed 
him more than once from deserved punishment. Last 
Thursday evening he was with the duke in private 
council, and he came from thence directly to this 
place. Now you can judge for yourself.” 

The surgeon started slightly, and then he bowed his 
head. A few moments he remained thus, and then he 
leaped up and clasped his hands. 

“ You are right,” he cried. “ It is ! it is ! There is 
no burning up, as I thought, of icy, wintry fire ; but 
the fiendish work is from a human hand ! Hold !^I 
know the symptoms. I know them now. Be quiet, 
Conrad. It may not yet be too late.” 

As the surgeon spoke he hastily opened a small 


lOG THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 

leathern case he carried with him, and from thence he 
took a powerful emetic. The woman was sent for, and 
when she came she obtained warm water. The potion 
was given — a small quantity at a time — at intervals of 
about five minutes, until the desired effect was pro- 
duced. A strange mass of stuff was thrown up, and 
Kopani took it to the light and examined it. Most of 
it was of dark, brownish color, but with streaks of yel- 
low, and coarse blotches of red and green. The yellow 
substance was of a mucous formation, while the red and 
green seemed to be more liquid. 

“ ’Tis poison!” the surgeon said ; “ and it has been 
administered in small quantities.” 

“ And cannot something be done ?” asked Euric, 
eagerly. “ Oh 1 save him if you can ! save him, and 
I’ll bless you ever. You can — oh! say you can !” 

The surgeon caught the youth by the hand. There 
was something in this noble spirit that moved him — 
and he knew now that all must have been forgiven be- 
tween the two men. 

“ I’ll try,” he said, “ I have antidotes with me. All 
is not lost yet.” 

“ Then hasten,” urged Euric, half crazed beneath the 
might of the strange discovery, which he had thus 
helped to make. 

“ Be not uneasy. I will see that he suffers not for 
want of human skill.” And as the surgeon thus spoke 
he moved to the side-board and fixed on an antidote ; 

^ but he did not give it until the invalid had vomited all 
, he could. 

“ Hold 1” cried Euric, as the surgeon took up the 


1 


A STRANGE DISCOVERY. 107 

wine-bottle to mix the antidote with. “ Touch not a 
thing here. Perhaps, the villain has poisoned them all !” 

“ So it may be,” Kopani said, setting down the 
bottle. He then turned to the woman, who had 
remained standing by the fire like one in a trance, and 
asked her to bring a fresh bottle of wine. She quickly 
obeyed, and when she was gone Kopani took all the 
articles upon the table and set them on one side. He 
would not throw them away, for he meant to analyze 
them. 

When the woman returned Kopani mixed the new 
potion, and administered it, and ere long afterwards 
the count fell asleep. 

“ Kuric Nevel,” said the surgeon, as soon as he was 
sure the invalid would sleep, “ will you remain here 
awhile ? I wash to go and analyze some of these things. 
I have only to go to the Academy. I will be back in 
an hour at the furthest.” 

The gunmaker gladly consented to this ; and having 
gathered up the phials and the wine-bottle, and con- 
cealed them beneath his pelisse, the surgeon left. 

Kuric Nevel was happier now, for hope was with 
him while he prayed that God might spare the 
unfortunate count. 


108 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


CHAPTER XL 

AN ASTOUNDING AFFAIR. 

Half an liour bad the gunmaker sat by tbe side of the 
sick man’s bed when he was aroused from the reverie 
into which he had fallen by the gentle opening of the 
door. He turned and beheld a human form emerging 
from the narrow, dark entry way. As it came into the 
room the watcher started, for he beheld the hump-backed 
priest, Savotano. 

“ Who is here ? ” the arch fiend whispered, shading 
his eyes and trying to peer into the gloom. 

“ sh!” whispered Ruric. “ The count is asleep.” 

By this time our hero had so far overcome the first 
emotion caused by the villain’s entrance that he could 
be calm. 

“ And who is this ? ” the priest whispered, moving 
nearer to the bed. “ Ha ! The gunmaker ! ” 

Yes,” replied the youth, watching every look and 
movement of the fellow most closely. 

“ You are in a strange place, I should say,” Savotano 
whispered, not looking the young man directly in the 
face, but casting upon him a sidelong glance, as though 
he dared not look direct. 

“ Speak not too loud. Sir Priest,” said our hero, deter- 
mined to enter into no conversation with the man if he 
could avoid it. “ Do not awaken the count, for he is 
very faint and weak.” 


AN ASTOUNDING AFFAIR. 


109 


And tlien Eiiric liad another reason. He feared if 
Hamonoff should awake that the strange discovery they 
had made might be revealed ; and, of course, he wished 
not that the villain should yet know how well he was 
understood. 

“ But why are you here ? ” pursued Savotano, who 
seemed determined to know. “ I am this poor man’s 
spiritual comforter, and I surely have a right to know 
wherefore is the presence of one bearing the peculiar 
relations towards him which are sustained by you.” 

Ruric’s first impulse was one of disgust and wrath, 
but he managed to keep it to himself. 

“ Sir Priest,” he returned, moving his chair noise- 
lessly nearer to the visitor, so that his whisper might 
not disturb the sleeper, “ I heard that the count was 
dying, and I would not have him die without first for- 
giving me for all that I had done.” 

“ And has he done it ?” 

He has.” 

‘‘ And why do you remain here ? Whore is his at- 
tendant ?” 

‘‘ She is out somewdiere. The count has had a 
strange fit — a startling spasm — and I feared if he had 
another the woman could not manage him alone.” 

“ Ah,” uttered Savotano. “ A spasm !” 

“ Yes, a most strange one — as though something were 
at his heart — as though his brain were on fire, and his 
whole system shaking.” 

The priest turned his head away, but Ruric sa\V' 
plainly the exultant look which rested there. There 
was no mistaking any more. That one look — for Rurie 
saw it — was proof enough. ^ 


110 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ Well, well,” the misshapen villain said, I will call 
again when he is awake. I would not have him die, and 
I not by him.” 

Thus speaking, Savotano arose, and moved towards 
the door. His step was eager, and his every look 
betrayed some anxious purpose. He stopped as he 
reached the door and looked back, but he did not 
speak. Euric was afraid he might go to the side-board 
to look at the medicine, but he did not. He simply 
cast one more glance at the watcher, and then left the 
room. 

In half an hour more the surgeon returned. His 
face wore a clear, emphatic expression, and his move- 
ments were all quick and prompt, as though each one 
was for the purpose of announcing some self-evident 
decision. 

“ Well,” he said, with a quickly drawn breath, “ we 
have put the medicine to a test.” And then he leaned 
back and looked into Euric’s face. 

“ And what did you find?” the young man asked. 

“ Just what we had expected. We have detected 
arsenic in three of the medicines which the count had 
to take ; but this poison is not alone. There is much 
opium in the wine, even so that we could smell it when 
our suspicions guided us. The poison has been most 
adroitly fixed. The priest must have one of those re- 
cipes which have been used by scientific poisoners, for 
no physician in Moscow could have concocted the deadly 
poison.” 

‘‘ But wherein was it so wondrously peculiar ?” asked 
Euric, with interest. 

“ Why — in this : Arsenic was the principal poisoning 


AN ASTOUNDING AFFAIE. 


Ill 


agent, but that alone would produce symptoms which 
any physician would know at once. In this case there 
was something present which overcame all the outward 
signs of the poison, and only let it eat upon the vitals. 
I know not the secret, though I know there is such an 
one. Had it not been for your fortunate suspicions the 
count would have died, and we should have supposed 
he only died from the effects of the wound. The poison 
was working silently, and surely — without pain, and 
without outward sign different from the usual sinking of 
the worn and fainting body. But I have hopes now. 
The villain must not know that we have discovered him. 
We will let the thing run for the present.” 

Kopani was not a little surprised when he found that 
the priest had been there during his absence, but be- 
fore he could make any further remark the count 
awoke. He felt very faint, but that strange sickness at 
the stomach was lessened. The surgeon prepared some 
suitable diluents, and having called in the woman he 
gave directions that they should be given in large quan- 
tities ; and also directed her to prepare some strong bar- 
ley water for the patient to drink as he wanted bever- 
age. 

All the phials were replaced upon tho sideboard, and 
tlifiii refilled with liquids somewhat like those they had 
before contained ; but the nurse was directed not to use 
them. Everything that her patient was to take she was 
to keep under her own charge in the kitchen ; and she 
was also most particularly cautioned against allowing 
the priest to gain anything from her. But Kopani 
meant to be sure on that score. He had a little busi- 
ness to transact, and then he was coming back to spend 


112 


THE GUNMAKEIl OF MOSCOW. 


the night liimself by the count’s side. He meant, at 
all events, that the poisoner should have no more op- 
portunity to exercise his diabolical science upon the 
sick nobleman. He promised the count that he should 
have safe and competent watchers thereafter. 

It was fairly dark now, as Ruric could see by raising 
the curtain and looking out. He had no idea it was so 
late. Time had passed without his notice. He moved 
to the side of the bed and took the invalid’s hand. 

“ I must go now,” he said, “ but if you are willing I 
will come again — ” 

“ You will come,” cried Conrad, in reply, returning 
the grasp of the hand with all his feeble power. “ Oh ! 
you must come often now. I hope I shall live. Per- 
haps I shall. If I do, I shall owe that life to you. And 
God knows — for the feeling is even now firm in my 
soul — that I shall always remember how you saved me; 
and I will never think, never, of the sad blow you struck 
me. Come — come to me when you can, for now — now 
— as God lives I speak the truth — now I love you ! ” 

“ God bless and keep 3"Ou,” murmured Ruric, in a 
husk}^ tremulous voice ; and with these words, coming 
from the very depths of his soul, he turned away and 
left the room. He heard the voice of the count as he 
moved the door open, and thanked God that ’twas a 
blessing which fell upon his ears. 

Ah, those who know not what true forgiveness is, 
know not the holiest emotion of earth ! 

Ruric had left his sledge at a neighboring inn, and as 
soon as he gained the street he bent his steps that way. 
He had not gone half the distance from the residence 
of the count to the inn, and was just upon the point of 


AN ASTOUNDING AFFAIR. 


113 


crossing the street, when he heard his name pronounced 
by some one behind him. He stopped and looked 
around, and saw a man approaching him. 

It was too dark to distinguish faces plainly, even at 
a usual conversational distance ; yet Kuric was not long 
in concluding that the man who had thus hailed him 
was a stranger. He was a medium sized man, and so 
closely enveloped in his bonnet and pelisse that his 
form and features would have been hidden, even had it 
been lighter than it was. 

“ Did you speak to me?” asked the youth, as the 
man came up. 

“ Yes, sir. Is your name Ruric Nevel ? ” 

“ It is.” 

“ Then you are wanted a few moments at the residence 
of a lieutenant named Orsa.” 

“ Alaric Orsa ?” asked Ruric. 

“ The same.” 

‘‘ But he does not live here in the Kremlin.” 

“ He is here now, at any rate, and would see you.” 

“ But you said he was at his residence,” suggested 
our hero, who was fearful that some evil might be 
meant for him. 

“ I know nothing to the contrary, sir,” the stranger 
returned, promptly. “ All I can say is — Alaric Orsa 
has fallen upon the ice, and hurt himself severely, and 
upon being informed that you were near by with a 
sledge, he asked that you might be sent for.” 

Hurt himself, has he ?” 

Yes, sir.” 

‘‘ Badly ?” 


I 


114 THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 

“ I believe no bones are broken, but he is so badly 
sprained that he cannot walk.” 

“Ah — then perhaps he wants me to carry him 
home.” 

“ I can’t say as to that, sir. They only sent me to 
find you. I don’t know the man myself.” 

There was something so frank in the statement thus 
made that Ruric believed it all honest, and he stood no 
longer in doubt. 

“ I will go,” he said ; “ but lead the way quickly, for 
I have no time to waste.” 

“ I will lead as fast as you will want to follow,” an- 
swered the man. 

And thus speaking he turned back, and having gone 
some dozen rods by the way they had both come, he 
turned down a narrow street which led towards the 
river. Half way down this he went, and then he turned 
again — this time to the left — and thus Ruric found him- 
self in a narrow, dark lane, within which the snow was 
deep and almost untrodden. 

“ Look you,” cried the youth, stopping as he found 
himself over knees in snow, “ I think we have gone 
about far enough in this direction.” 

“ This is the shortest way,” said the stranger guide, 
apologetically. “ I did not think the snow was so deep 
here. But it’s only in the next street.” 

“ Then on you go.” 

Again the stranger started, and Ruric followed. The 
lane was a crooked one, and more than once the youth 
had another inclination to stop. He had no direct 
fear, but yet he had some just grounds for doubt. 
Had he not seen what had been attempted against the 


AN ASTOUNDING AFFAIR. 


115 


count he might have had no such doubts now ; but as 
it was, he thought that if one attempt had been made 
to ruin him through the emperor’s displeasure by the 
man who was now trying to murder the count, it would 
not be at all improbable that some more effective plan 
should be adopted towards him. He was pondering 
thus when they came to a cross lane full as narrow as 
the one they had been traversing, into which the guide 
turned. 

‘‘Look you once more, sirrah,” cried the youth, now 
stopping short. “Do you call this a. street?” 

“ Yes, sir ; and on this street we shall find the man 
we seek. It is only a short cut from where he is to the 
inn where your horse is ; so you won’t have to retrace 
these dubious ways. Only a little further, sir.” 

“ But I don’t like this.” 

“ Why, bless you, sir, if you wish to go direct to the 
inn where your horse is, this wiU be the nearest way.” 

“Well, on you go.” 

And on they went again — now slipping on the ice — 
now in the snow to their knees — and anon stumbling 
along over frozen hubbies and deep holes. At length 
the guide stopped and opened a small gate which was 
fixed ill a high, thick, brick wall. Kuric hesitated here 
again. He had no weapon of any kind. If ho had had 
even a pistol, or a sword, he would have cared not. 
But he did not show his thoughts to his guide. The 
gate opened with a creak upon its frosty hinges, and 
by the dim starlight the youth could see an open court 
beyond, and, further still, a house of some kind loomed 
up. 

“ This place seems not to be used, much/’ remarked 


116 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


Huric, as lie saw the snow in the court was trodden but 
little — only one or two tracks being visible from the 
gate to the house. 

“ Ah — yes — you said — what? ” 

“ I said this place didn’t seem to be used much,” the 
youth repeated, though he was sure the fellow heard 
the first time. 

“ Ah ! yes — a — the usual entrance is the other way, 
by the sledge path.” 

“ And where is that ? ” Kuric asked, not being able 
to see any such path. 

“ O — it’s around on the other side.” 

By this time they had reached the door of the house, 
which our hero could now see had an old, dilapidated 
appearance, and the guide plied the iron knocker with 
zeal. Ere long a man made his appearance with a 
lantern in his hand. 

“Ah! — has the gunmaker come ? ” the latter asked. 

“ Yes,” returned the guide. 

“ Well — I’m glad he’s here, but I don’t believe Orsa 
is fit to move,” said the first speaker. And then turn- 
ing to Baric he said : 

“ But I’m glad you’ve come, sir, for the lieutenant 
wishes to see you very much. This way, sir.” 

This was all so frank and prompt that the young man 
began to think he had been a fool for being frightened. 
He followed the man with the lantern into the hall, and 
from thence down a long flight of stairs into a base- 
ment. The lantern did not give much light, but it was 
sufficient to reveal the fact that the house was an old 
one, and not very large, for Buric could see windows 
upon the opposite side of the hall which looked out of 


AN ABTOUNDING AFFAIR. 


117 


doors. As lie readied the foot of the stairs he found 
himself upon a brick floor, and he saw that the walls 
were of stone. A little further on a door was opened, 
and this led to a small apartment within which was a 
fireplace and a good fire burning. 

“ There, good sir,” said the second guide, “ if you 
will wait a few moments, I will go and see how the lieu- 
tenant is.” 

As soon as Ruric was left alone he looked about him. 
The room was of moderate size for a small house, and 
the idea of inhabiting the cellars was a common one in 
Moscow in the winter season. The windows, two in 
number, were closed up to the ceiling, and very small, 
and were patched with pieces of board in two or three 
places. Ere long the man came back, and with him 
came three others, one of whom the youth recognized 
as the individual who had conducted him to the house. 

“ Orsa will see you, sir,” said he with the lantern. 

Ruric arose to follow him, the other three men ap- 
proaching the fire as though they would remain there. 
He had reached the door and passed through into the 
room beyond, when he thought he heard footsteps be- 
hind him. It was a sliding, shuffling sound, and he 
turned his head to see what it was. As he did so ho 
received a blow which staggered him, and which would 
have felled an ordinary man to the floor. He gathered 
himself quickly up, but before he could fairly turn 
about he received a second blow, heavier than the first, 
which brought him upon his knees. In an instant ' all 
four of the men were upon him, and he could see that 
they had ropes in their hands with which to bind him. 
With all his might he threw the fellow who held his 


118 


I 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCO’.y. 

right hand back against the wall, and anothei ho sent 
in an opposite direction, and in a moment more ha 
would have been upon his feet ; but just at :hat iissitaiifc 
a noose was adroitly slipped over his head, and as the 
rope tightened about his neck he was drawn back upon 
tlie brick floor again. 

“ Now resist any more, and we’ll choke you as sure 
as fate,” cried the man who had held the lantern, and 
who now had a hold upon the rope. 

“ Oh,” groaned Kuric, while the massive cords 
worked like cables in his arms and shoulders, “ give me 
a fair chance. Let me be up and free — then lock your 
doors, if you please.” 

No, no, good sir,” replied the ruffiian, with a wicked 
smile. “We know your power, and we are not dis- 
posed to test it further. We have had trouble enough 
already. Shall we — ” 

The man stopped speaking, for at that moment an- 
other noose was slipped down over Lurie’s head, and 
ere he could avoid it, it had been drawn tightly about 
his arms. He was now at the mercy of his captors, 
and having rolled him over upon his breast, they pro- 
«3eeded to secure his arms behind him, which being 
done, they bade him arise. Of course he could have 
no desire to lie upon the cold bricks, and he got upon 
his feet as well as he could. 

“ Now, Kuric Nevel, I will conduct you to your own 
apartment,” said the leader of the gang. 

“ But wherefore is this ? ” the gunmaker gasped, 
rendered almost speechless with tlie mingled emotions 
of surprise and anger. “ Why have you done this ? 
Whose hirelings are you, that you thus waylay and 


AN ASTOUNDING AFFAIR. 


119 


seize upon an honest man, who has done no harm to 
any of you ? ” 

“ Never mind that now, sir,” the ruffian coolly an^ 
swered ; ‘‘ suffice it for you to know that you are safe 
for the present.” 

“ But will you not tell me what this is for ? There 
is some intent.” 

‘‘ Yes — and come with me and you shall see. Come.” 

Thus speaking the man turned once more, and hav- 
ing picked up his lantern he moved on, while the 
others, taking Kuric by the arms, followed after. The 
prisoner made no resistance now, for he knew that it 
would be useless. At a short distance another flight 
of stairs was reached. 

“ Down here ? ” cried Buric, with a shudder. 

“ Of course. You’d freeze up here.” 

These words struck harshly upon the youth’s soul, foi 
they meant that he was to be detained is this lonesome 
place. 

At the bottom of these stairs they came to a vaulted 
passage, at the end of which was a door. This was 
opened, and Kuric was led through into the place be- 
yond. He cast his eyes quickly about, and he found 
himself in a narrow apartment, the walls and floor of 
which were of stone, and the roof of brick, the latter 
being arched. In one corner was a couch, and upon it 
were some old skins. 

And here the youth was to be left. His guide sim- 
ply pointed to the low couch, and then turned away, 
Kuric asked a question, but it was not answered. In a 
few moments more the heavy door was closed upon him, 
and he was in total darkness. He sought the couch, 
ftnd with a deep ^oan he sank down ! 


120 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW 


CHAPTEK XIL 

A CONFERENCE, AND HOW IT WAS INTERRUPTED. 

Rosalind Valdai and Zenobie were together in their 
sitting-room, and the former had been weeping. She 
looked paler than when we saw her before, and her brow 
was heavy. Smiles no longer crept about the dimples 
of her cheeks, and her eyes had a sad, mournful look. 
Her face plainly showed that she had suffered much. 

“My dear mistress,” urged the faithful Zenobie, 
throwing her arms about Rosalind’s neck, and drawing 
her head upon her bosom, “ weep no more. Oh, there 
must be some hope ! My mistress, are you sure the 
duke will persist in this ?” 

“ Aye, Zenobie, I know he will,” Rosalind answered, 
while the old shudder came back to her frame, and the 
old grief to her soul. 

“ And have you no hope ?” 

“ Only one — in Ruric. He may help me.” 

“ I hope he can. He is a noble man.” 

Rosalind answered with a look of gratitude, and Ze- 
nobie proceeded : 

“Where is the titled lord more noble than he ? Oh, 
were I to choose a husband how, and he was free, and 
I were in your position, I’d choose Ruric Nevel before 
all the emperors of earth !” 

“ So would I,” murmured the fair maiden. 


A CONFERENCE, AND HOW IT WAS INTERRUPTED. 121 


‘‘If I were a countess, as you are, how I should loye 
to make such a man a count.” 

“ But my marr^dng him would not make him a count. 
Were he a count, and I like what he is now in station, 
his marrying me would give me the title ; but we poor 
women do not have that power.” 

“ Well — then we should so much the more have the 
right to choose our own husbands.” 

Kosalind made no verbal answer, but her look showed 
that she sympathized with the sentiment. 

“ My mistress,” at length spoke Zenobie again, this 
time in a low whisper, — “ why may we not leave this 
place ?” 

Eosalind started as though she had heard the speech 
of a spirit, and for a moment a look of hope gleamed 
upon her face ; but it quickly passed away. 

“ Alas ! where should we go ?” 

This was a part of the plan which Zenobie had not 
thought of ; and ere she could make any reply, one of 
the female domestics entered the apartment and an- 
nounced that a woman wished to see her young mis- 
tress. Kosalind asked who it was, but the girl could 
only tell her that it was a middle-aged woman, and very 
good-looking. The young countess bade Zenobie go 
down and conduct her up. Ere long afterwards the at- 
tendant returned, and with her came Claudia Nevel. 
Kosalind had not seen her for over a year, but she knew 
her at once, and starting up from her seat, she bounded 
forward and embraced her warmly. ^ ^ 

“ Ah, Aunt Claudia, I am glad you have come. You 
will let me call you aunt, as I did in those happy times 
gone by.” 


V2-2 


THE OUNMAKER OF MOSCO^Y. 


Aye, sweet Rosalind,” returned the widow, imprint- 
ing a warm kiss upon the fair white brow. 

The countess noticed the strange sadness of Madame 
Novel’s tone, and then, for the first time, also, she no- 
ticed the sadness of her look. 

“ Aunt Claudia, you look sad,” she said, while a chill 
dread struck to her heart. 

“ Aye,” the widow uttered, as though she were afraid 
to venture the question she wished to ask. “ I have 
been very sad, because I have had a terrible fear. Has 
• — has — not Ruric been here ?” 

“When ?” asked the maiden, catching the whole fear 
now. 

“ Within these three days ?” 

“ Just then. Day before yesterday he was here — in 
the forenoon.” 

And I have not seen him since !” the poor woman 
groaned. 

“ Not seen him ? Ruric gone ? Oh ! where, where ?” 

“ He said ho was going to see the Count Damonoff 
when he left here,” interposed Zenobie, who joined in 
the grief. 

“ Aye — so he told me,” returned the mother. “ I have 
been there, and they have not seen him since that 
evening. The surgeon who attends the count went out 
to the inn wdiere Ruric put up his ho]’se, and the ani- 
mal was still there, his owner having not called there 
for him.” 

“Oh! God have mercy!” ejaculated the young coun- 
tess, in a paroxysm of grief. 

At this moment there came a rap upon the door, and 


A CONFERENCE, AND HOW IT WAS INTERRUPTED. 123 

ZeDobie went to answer the summons. It was the black 
monk, Yladimir, who thus demanded admittance. At 
any other time both Rosalind and Claudia might have 
been startled by the strange visit, but now they in- 
stinctively hailed his coming as a source of hope. 

“ Ladies,” spoke the fat monk, approaching the spot 
where they stood, and bowing very low, “ you will par- 
don this unseemly method of gaining admission here, 
but I had no other choice, for I feared the duke would 
refuse me did I apply to him. I have come to learn, if 
possible, where Ruric Nevel may be.” 

The widow tried to answer, but instead of speaking 
she burst into tears. Rosalind struggled a moment with 
the deep emotions that stirred within her, and then she 
too fell to weeping. Zenobie was obliged to answer. 

“ Good father,” she said, “ we are all seeking the same 
knowledge. His poor mother has come here to try if 
she might find some clew to the noble youth ; and thus 
did my mistress gain the first intelligence that he was 
gone. Pray, good sir, do you know anything about 
him ? What have you heard ?” 

Both Claudia and the countess now raised their 
heads, for they would hear what reply the monk could 
make. 

“ I only know that he is missing,” Vladimir replied. 

A little while ago I called upon the sick count, and 
there I learned that Ruric Nevel had mysteriously dis- 
appeared. And I learned, also, of the noble purpose 
for which he visited the count.” * * 

“Aye,” interposed Claudia, with sudden energy, “ he 
went to try and gain the count’s forgiveness. I don’t 


124 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


tliink they spoke falsely there. I don’t think any there 
would wish him harm from any lingering revenge.” 

“ No, no,” returned the monk ; “ his mission thither 
was most nobly fulfilled. But,” he continued, relapsing 
into perplexity, ‘‘ I cannot imagine what has become of 
him. But hold — my dear child — is there not a hump- 
backed, ungainly priest who sometimes visits your 
guardian ?” 

This was addressed to Bosalind, and a fearful tremor 
shook her frame as she heard it, for its import was at 
once apparent. 

“ Do you suspect — ” She had started forward and 
grasped the monk’s arm, as she thus commenced, but 
she could not continue. The thought she would have 
uttered was terrible. 

“ Go on,” whispered Valdimir, bending his head low 
down so as to catch her very thoughts if they left her 
lips. “ What would you say ?” 

“ Oh ! I ought not — and yet I know his soul is capa- 
ble even of that.” 

Thus much the fair countess murmured to herself ; 
and then she gazed up and spoke to the strange man 
before her : 

Do you suspect my guardian ?” 

“ Do you suspect him ?” the monk returned. 

“ Oh, I know not wdiat to think.” 

“ But listen,” resumed Yladimir, earnestly. “ I would 
know all that you know, and then perhaps I can assist 
you. I mean to save Kuric, if I can ; and if I can but 
gain a clew to him now', I can surely save you both. I 
possess a wondrous power for the good of those who 


A CONFERENCE, AND HOW IT WAS INTERRUPTED. 125 

trust me. Now, what end could the duke have in view 
in wishing for Ruric’s removal ?” 

In spite of all doubts Rosalind found herself trusting 
the monk. There was an air of conscious truth and 
flower in his look and tone that won upon her. 

“ Good father,” she returned, after a few moments’ 
thought, “ the duke has sworn by a most fearful oath 
that he will have me for his wife ! ” 

“ Ha ! ” cried the monk, starting back a pace and 
clenching his hands, does he mean that ?” 

Oh, most truly he does,” the young countess re- 
plied ; and she spoke more firmly now, for there was 
something in the sudden energy of the monk’s exclam- 
ation that gave her hope. 

“ Then he wants your estates, too. He is aiming for 
wealth with a high hand. And do you suppose he fears 
Ruric Nevel in connection with this scheme ?” 

“ Yes, father — I will speak plainly, for I trust you. 
He knows that I love Ruric, and he knows, too, that 
Ruric loves me. May he not, under such circumstances, 
fear that the noble youth will try to thwart him ?” 

‘‘ Very likely,” returned Yladimir, thoughtfully. I 
will profit by this, and I am much mistaken if you do 
not also profit by it. I have those in Moscow who Avill 
work for me. I cannot, of course, directly assure you 
of salvation, for Ruric may never be found!” 

A quick groan escaped from Claudia’s lips as the 
monk thus spoke ; but before Rosalind could speak the 
door of the apartment was opened and the Duke of . 
Tula strode in ! He stopped as he came nigh to where 
the company stood, and his eyes flashed and his frame 
trembled with passion. 


126 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


How now ?” lie cried, as soon as he could command 
speech. “ What means this gathering here in my own 
palace ? Meddling monk, how dare you drag your de- 
testable form hither ? Out, reptile ! Out ! And let 
me catch you here again and my dogs shall tear you up 
as they do carrion !” 

Without a word the monk turned away. His face was 
pale as death, and his hands were clenched till the 
fingers’ ends seemed to settle themselves into the palms. 

Eemember,” the duke exclaimed, as Yaldimir 
reached the door, “ if you dare to cross my doorstool 
again — ” 

“ Hold !” gasped the monk, in a hoarse, startling tone. 
“ Offer no more threats. But mark me, proud Duke. 
You shall see the day on which you’ll wish God had 
made you a dog ere he gave you speech to arouse the 
just vengeance of Vladimir!” 

And thus speaking the black monk disappeared. 

“ And you, woman — who art thou ?” Olga exclaimed, 
tui’ning an angry look upon Claudia. 

“ I am a mourning mother in search of her lost son,” 
the woman sadly replied. 

“ Ha ! I see the likeness now. You are the woman 
Nevel — mother of the young villain wdio bears that 
name 1 Leave my place at once, and don’t you dare to 
enter it again 1” 

The poor woman tried to speak, but she could not. 
With a deep sob she turned away, and slowly walked 
from the room. 

“ Now,” resumed the duke, turning towards Bosalind, 
what means this sacred council ?” 

My lord/’ returned the countess, struggling hard tq 


A CONFERENCE, AND HOW IT WAS INTERRUPTED. 127 

overcome her powerful emotions, “ they were here to-r- 
to—” 

But she could not finish the sentence. Her soul was 
too deeply moved. She only gave the foul wretch one 
look of horror and disgust, and then covering her face 
wdth her hands, she sobbed aloud. 

If the bad man had anything further to say, he re- 
served it for some future time. 


123 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

THE PLOTTER IS AT WORK. 

The Count Conrad Damonoff was able to sit up. He 
was in a great stuffed chair, playing with a favorite dog, 
while near by him sat Stephen Urzen. The young 
nobleman had gained rapidly since the visit of Ruric, 
for the antidotes he had taken had proved efficient, and 
he soon came back to the point he had reached before 
the administering of the poison. 

“ Stephen,” he said, pushing his dog gently from him, 
“ has anything been heard yet from Ruric Nevel ?” 

“ Not that I know of,” returned Urzen. 

“ I wish I were able to assist in the search. But 
have you heard anything of what suspicions may be 
afloat ?” 

“ Only that the hump-backed priest is looked upon 
bj' some as having had some hand in it.” 

Urzen did not know the secret of his friend’s strange 
relapse, for that had been kept private ; so he had no 
clew to the priest’s true character such as the count 
possessed. 

“ I believe the fellow is a villain,” Urzen resumed. 
“ He is surely a villainous-looking man.” 

‘‘ So he is,” responded the count. 

I never saw such a wicked look before in any human 
face.” 


THE PLOTTER IS AT WORE. 


129 


“ All,” uttered a voice close by the door, “ who comes 
in for the flattering remark, my friend ?” 

Both the count and Stephen turned, and the hump- 
backed priest stood in their presence. 

‘‘ Ha !” he uttered, as he noticed the position of the 
invalid. ‘‘ Up ? So you are recovering ?” 

‘‘ Aye,” returned Conrad, “ I am gaining fast now, as 
you may see.” 

The priest struggled hard with his feelings, and at 
length he managed to conceal the deep disappointment 
he felt. That is, he hid it from Stephen’s eyes, but the 
count knew him too well. 

“ You have not been very punctual of late, father,” 
the latter said, also trying to conceal his real feelings. 

“ No, no,” returned Savotano, in a perplexed manner, 
“ I admit it ; but, the fact is, I have been called away. 
Let’s see — I have not been here since the evening on 
which I found a stranger sitting by your side while you 
were asleep.” 

“ Who was the stranger ? ” . 

“ I don’t know. I think I never saw him before. 
He was a good looking young man. Perhaps he was 
some relative of yours.” 

This downright falsehood — so bold and flagrant — 
astonished even the count, for he knew the conversation 
which the priest had held with Euric on that occasion. 

“ I thought you knew that man,” the count said, 
looking the priest sharply in the face. 

“ No. I may have seen him before, but I did not 
surely recognize him then. And now, how happened 
this sudden change in your disease, my son? The 
doctors thought you were dying when I was here last.” 


130 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


<< Yea — I know,” answered the count, still hiding the 
deep disgust that moved within him ; “ but a new 
physician was called in, and he prescribed a new medi- 
cine. He said the medicine I had been taking was un- 
suited to my case, and so he gave me new. You can see 
the result.” 

“ Yes — I see,” was the reply ; “ and as you seem to 
have very good company I’ll take my leave. I have 
several calls to make before night.” 

The count made no reply to this, and as the priest 
found that he was not urged to remain he arose at 
once. He stopped twice before he reached the door, 
but in neither case did he speak. As soon as he gained 
the street he turned towards the upper part of the city, 
and he stopped not until he had reached the palace of 
the Duke of Tula. The old porter admitted him with- 
out question, and he made his -way at once to the hall, 
where he inquired for the duke. One of the servants 
went in search of his master, and when he returned he 
bade the priest follow. 

The duke was in his private room, and as soon as the 
servant had withdrawn he bade his visitor take a seat. 

“ Now, Savotano, how is it ? ” he asked ; “ have you 
seen the count ? ” 

“ Aye — I am from there now. By all that’s bad, my 
lord, the villain is gaining.” 

‘‘Gaining?” repeated Olga, with surprise. “But 
you assured me he was well nigh gone.” 

“ So he was — so he was. But he is recovering now.” 

“ But how is it ? ” 

Why — he teUs me he had a new physician, and thali 


THE PLOTTER IS AT WORK. 


131 


the old medicine is all condemned, and an entire new 
course prescribed.” 

“ And under this new treatment he is recoTering, 
eh ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Well, have j'ou not taken some measures to fix this 
new medicine ? Savotano, you must not let him slip 
now.” 

“ Ah, my lord, I have only told you how Ae explained 
the matter. 1 have another explanation.” 

“ What is it, sir priest. 

“ Why — they simply know that some one has at- 
tempted to poison the count.” 

“ Ha ! Did they say anything ? ” 

“ No — there was no need. I know that the medicine 
he was taking before was the right kind of medicine, so 
far as it came from the hands of the surgeon. And 
then there is another thing : The count must have had 
some powerful antidote on purpose for the poison.” 

“ How do you know that ?” 

“ Simply because he would not have now been alive 
had not such been the case. You may be sure, my 
lord, that they know poison has been administered. 
They have discovered it in some way, and taken the 
most effective and speedy method to overcome it. I 
know this.” 

“ And do you think they suspect you ?” the duke 
asked wdth some show of uneasiness. 

“ I don’t know, but I fear they do. However, that 
amounts to nothing — only to prevent me from working 
any farther at present in the same direction. I have 
not laid myself open to detection in any way. ’Tis too 


132 


THE GUNMAKEFv OF MOSCOW. 


bad ! In four-and-tweiity liours more he would have 
been a dead man.” 

“ Then you know v>dien the discovery was made ?” 

‘‘ Yes — on the afternoon before Ruric Nevel was 
captured. I was there just before night, and the gun- 
maker was then there, and I noticed that the phials 
Y/ere gone from the table, though I gave no signs then 
of having noticed it. They had even then commenced 
some treatment for his cure, for I could see that the 
appearance of his skin had changed. You must not 
blame me.” 

I do not, Savotano. But there mav be some way 
left yet.” 

“ 0, yes — there are hundred ways in which we can 
dispose of him. But I may find some way yet before 
ho gets out.” 

‘‘ Look you,” the duke said, after a short pondering 
over his own thoughts, “ ou must watch every chance. 
Something may turn up in our favor. You may find 
some opportunit}^ to finish him yet. I wish you 
could.” 

I will do all I can, be sure of that. I shall watch 
narrowly. And now about the other one. Young 
Nevel is safe, and can be disposed of at any moment. 
I have let him live thus far because I had no orders 
otherwise. ” 

Ay — that was right,” replied Olga ; and as he did 
so he arose and commenced to pace the room. The 
priest followed him with his eyes, but said nothing. 
At length the duke stopped and looked Savotano in the 
face. 


THE TLOTTEll IS AT WORK. 


133 


“It would not he a difficult case to kill him?” he ut- 
tered, in a low whisper. 

“ Not at all. Nothing could be more easy.” 

“ And could detection ensue ?” 

“ In no possible way.” 

“ Then—” 

“ Listen,” spoke the hump-back, as Olga hesitated. 
“ I strongly suspect that ’twas this same gunmaker that 
led to the investigation of that medicine ; and if it was 
he, then you will be more quickly suspected than I 
shall.” 

“ Ha ! Why think you so ?” 

“ Because he is a fellow of wondrous wit and intelli- 
gence, and can see without being told. He has had 
several conferences here, and it was from here that he 
went direct to the count’s residence. He knows by 
this time w hy the duel w^as hatched up, and if he has 
half the mind I give him credit for he will know" that 
you are at the bottom of the poisoning business. I 
am sure of this.” 

“ You are right, Savotano. Let him dm !” 

“ I had thought myself that that would be the best 
way ; for if he w^ere at large you would not be safe.” 

“ You can have him killed without noise or disturb- 
ance ?” 

“ I think so,” replied the priest, with a wicked smile. 
“ At all events, his noise would not hurt any one, for he 
is rather too far away fiom the world to make himself 
heard.” * * 

“ Where is he ?” 

“ Why, where you recommended : In the furthest 


134 


THE GtJNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


vault beneath your old bathing-house ; and that is a 
place where he cannot be readily found.” 

“ And what disposition can you make of the body 
after the work is done ?” 

“ Why — that is simple. It can be hidden in the old 
conduit. You know the conduit still exists there, and 
probably in some places between there and the river it 
is perfect ; but near the building it is all in ruins. The 
body can be hidden so far in that no stench can come 
from it in summer time even to those in the vault it- 
self. So you see that is easy.” 

“ Then let the work be done to-night.” 

“To-morrow night, my lord, will do as well, for I am 
engaged to-night.” 

“ Very well — let it be to-morrow. But mind — this 
is settled. .There is no more question about this affair. 
When I see you again I trust you will have no reason 
to offer why Ruric Nevel has not been disposed of.” 

“You need have no fears on that head, my lord. You 
may consider that the gunmaker is dead.” 

“ Bight ! So let it be.” 

And thus did the stout duke dispose of Buric Nevel ! 

Again Olga took a turn across the room, and when 
he stopped there was a dark cloud upon his brow. 

“ Savotano,” he said, “ there is one more man whom 
I at least would be assured is not in my way. I mean 
that infernal monk.” 

“ I saw him this morning, my lord, and I am sure he 
is watching me. And he is not alone. He has others 
with him. I have been followed, and one of my men — 
the one who entrapped Nevel — told me, not two liours 
ago, that he knew his steps had been followed.” 


OTE PLOTTER IS AT WORK. 


135 


And do you think this monk is at the bottom of 
it ? ” asked the duke, with some uneasiness. 

“ I know it, for I have seen him when I knew he was 
watching me.” 

“ Then why have you not got him out of the way ? ” 

“ Aha,” uttered the priest, with a dubious shake of 
the head, we cannot always do as we would. But he 
shall not liTe long— if I can help him off ; and I think 
the opportunity may offer itself.” 

“ He is a bold fellow. Why— I found him only yes- 
terday — in my own palace— in the chamber of the 
^ countess.” 

Indeed ! And you could not have disposed of him 
then ? ” 

“ Not well. It was in broad day, and people were 
about. But if I find him there again my sword shall 
find his heart. I have given him legal warning. But,” 
continued the duke, after some further thought, “you 
must be careful in your dealings with him. He may 
have some organized band always about him.” 

“I will be caught in no trap,” returned the priest, 
confidently. “ He shall find that I can be as keen as he 
can. But it is very strange — ” 

“ What is strange ? ” asked Olga, starting, for he, 
too, had been thinking of a very strange thing. 

“ Why — that this black monk should turn up here in 
Moscow so suddenly, and commence, the first thing, to 
dog my footsteps, and hang about your palace.” 

“Aye,” responded Olga. “And the same thought 
was in my mind when you spoke. But never mind— he 
shall not escape me if he presumes much more. They 
shall know that the Duke of Tula is not to be trifled 


< 


136 THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 

with. There is but one power in Moscow above mine, 
and that is the emperor himself ; and I may say that 
even he is not above me. He cannot get along without 
me. Does anything turn up to puzzle him he sends 
straightway for me.” 

“ Then use your power for your own good, my lord.” 

I v/ill. Fear not for me on that score.” 

At this j uncture the priest arose to take his leave. 

“ You have your instructions,” said Olga. 

“ I remember them well, my lord — and they shall be 
carried out to the letter.” 

“ And when done, let me know.” 

“ I will obey.” 

And once more the misshapen priest was in the 
street, and the duke was alone. 

“ Ah, my lord,” muttered the pliant tool to himself, 
as he walked thoughtfully along, “ you may bo a little 
too confident of your own power. I have known such 
things in Russia ! ” 


THE MYSTIO TRIBUNAL. 


137 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE MYSTIC TRIBUNAL. 

Away back of the old cathedral of Moscow, and in a 
narrow, dark court which was overlooked by the towers 
of the giant edifice, stood a curiously constructed stone 
building, which, though not connected bodily with the 
cathedral, yet seemed to belong to it. It was low and 
broad, with a flat, tiled roof, and without a visible win- 
dow. Within one of the apartments of this building — 
an apartment away down in the bowels of the earth, 
where the light of day never came — were seated six men. 
The room was of fair size, and the floor, the walls and 
the ceiling were of dark stone. Wooden benches were 
arranged about the place ; and there were some other 
articles of furniture there, too — strange contrivances 
they were, and fashioned after various shapes and pat- 
terns. But of that anon. The place was lighted by a 
large hanging lamp, which had just power enough to 
make the room gloomy and dismal. The six men sat 
about a table, on which were a book and sword, and 
the most prominent man there was Vladimir the Monk ! 

And Vladimir alone exposed his face. All the rest 
wore black masks, their robes being of the same melan- 
choly hue. They sat there silent as death, Vladimir 
gazing down upon the table, and the other five gazing 
fixedly upon him. They were stout men, all of them, 


138 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


and they bore themselves toward Yladimir as hears a 
servant to his acknowledged master. 

The hour is waxing late,” said Yladimir, at length 
looking up from the table. His voice sounded in that 
place like the echo of a tomb. It was low and hollow, 
and the others started as they heard it. 

There’s time yet to spare, master,” replied one who 
sat next the monk. 

I trust we shall not be disappointed,” said Yladi- 
mir, at the expiration of a few moments more. 

To this no answer was returned. 

At length there came a dull echo from overhead, and 
the six dark sitters started up to listen. The sound 
grew louder, and soon it sent down into that dismal 
chamber the notes of coming footsteps. In a few 
moments more the heavy iron door creaked upon its 
hinges, and three men entered, and soon behind them 
came three more. Those who came in advance were 
two of them leading the third as a prisoner. And so 
it was with those behind. The iron door creaked 
again, and when the heavy bolts had been shoved into 
their sockets, the two prisoners were led forward. 

“ Master,” spoke one of the new-comers, we have 
brought the prisoners — two of them — as you com- 
manded.” 

“ It is well,” said Yladimir. “ Let them be brought 
before us.’^ 

As the two men are brought where the light can strike 
upon their faces we see the two guides who conducted 
Buric Nevel to his place of confinement. One of them 
was he who met Buric in the street, and the other is 
the one who guided him into the old bath-house with 


THE MYSTIC TRIBUNAL. 


139 


the lantern in his hand. They shuddered fearfully as 
they gazed around upon the dismal scene, and their 
looks plainly showed that they knew not why they had 
been brought thither. 

** Lesko Totma r pronounced Vladimir. 

The first of the prisoners — he who had met Ruric in 
the street — started as he heard that name, and tried to 
speak. 

“ Are you the man ?” asked the monk, looking into 
his face. 

“ Yes, holy father,” the wretch tremblingly replied. 

“ Then stand you hero in front of me.” 

The fellow was moved up in front of the table, and 
surprise and fear seemed to be struggling for the mas- 
tery over him, for he recognized now the strange monk 
about whom he had probably heard so much. 

“ Lesko Totma,” said Vladimir, lowly and slowly, 
“ you have been seen much in the company of a hump- 
backed priest named Savotano. You know such a priest, 

do YOU not ?” 

•/ 

The ntan hesitated. He gazed furtively about him, 
and trembled more than before. 

“Answer me!” 

“ Yes, sir — I know him.” 

“ And now, sir, be sure that you answer me directly 
and truly. Do you know a young gunmaker named 
Ruric Nevel ?” 

The fellow started with a perceptible quake as this 
question was asked, but he seemed to have been pre- 
pared for it, for his ans^ver was direct. 

“ No, sir — I do not.” 

“ Ha — beware I Think well, before you speak.” 


140 


THE GUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


“ If 3^ou mean the man who fought the duel with the 
Count Damonoff, then I have heard of him ; but I do 
not know that I ever saw him.” 

“You are sure of this ? ” 

“ Of course I am.” 

Frederick Yiska 

The second prisoner now came forward. He was a 
few years younger than his companion, though some^ 
what larger, and evidently more bold. Totma was con- 
ducted out of the apartment as Viska came forward. 

“ You, too, have been in the company of this priest, 
Savotano, have you not ? ” the monk asked. 

“ I know him,” Yiska replied, with a slight touch ol 
defiance in his tone. He had not surely looked about 
him to see those strange contrivances by which he was 
surrounded, or he would not have ventured such a tone. 

“ A.nd you have been some in his company ? ” 

“ Perhaps so.” 

“ Yery well. And now do you not also know Puric 
Nevel ? ” 

“ I have seen him, too, sir.” 

“And now — can you tell me where he is at this 
present time ? ” 

“ No,” was the answer, short and quick. 

“ Beware ! If you have any regard for your ov/n 
welfare you will answer me truly. YTiere is Ruiic 
Nevel ? ” 

“ I tell you I know nothing about him — nothing at 
all.” 

“ And of this you are sure ? 

“ Who are you that assume to question me thus? I 
know you not.” 


THE MYSTIC TRIBUNAL. 


141 


Tiska spoke this in a tone of virtuous indignation, 
probably thinking that that turn might serve him. 

“ We will let you into the secret by and by,” the 
monk returned, with a peculiar shake of the head. 
" But I, will ask you once more : Do you know where 
Nevel is ?” 

“ r 

“ You need not speak quite so loud. We hear 
easily.” 

“ Then don’t ask me impertinent questions,” retorted 
the prisoner. 

Vladimir started half way up, and his fists were 
clenched ; but the quick flush passed from his face, and 
he sat back again. 

“ Look you,” he said, as soon as he was sure his 
anger would not manifest itself, “ were I not sure that 
you know w’hat I ask, I w'ould not question you thus. 
And now, once more, I ask you — will you give me some 
clew to the whereabouts of Euric Nevel ?” 

“ I’ll answer you once more. I know nothing about 
him. You must not think that this dark place, and you 
men all dressed in black, can frighten me into telling a 
lie, as it would a child.” 

At this point Vladimir turned to one of his men — 
one of those who helped bring the prisoners in — and 
said : 

“ You know this to be the man ?” 

‘‘ Yes, my master.” 

“ And you have seen him in private confab with the 
hump-backed priest ?” 

“ I have.” 

‘‘ And the other things you told me are true ?” 


142 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“They are, master.” 

“ Then let down those interpreters.^' 

At this command two of the attendants moved to the 
back side of the room, where they unhooked a stout 
chain from the wall, and as they allowed it to slide 
through their hands, a curious piece of machinery de- 
scended directly in front of the table. It consisted of a 
stout bar of iron, which was suspended midway upon 
the chain, and there rested parallel with the ceiling. 
Upon each end of this bar were straps of iron, armed 
with springs and screws. At a motion from the monk 
the prisoner was led back till he stood directly beneath 
the bar, and then his arms were seized and raised up. 
He struggled some, and cursed more, but he was soon 
overcome. The iron bands were passed around his 
wrists, and connected with tliese were two small cups 
which were slipped over the thumbs. After these had 
been firmly secured the chain was tightened, and the 
man’s hands were raised far above his head. There 
were two results produced by tightening the chain : It 
not only tended to draw the thumbs back upon the 
wrists, but it also twisted the thumb, the two cups being 
armed with file-like teeth within, and closing tightly 
upon the flesh. 

“ Now, sir,” spoke Yladimir, lowly and deeply, “ I am 
going to ask those questions again, and you will do well 
to answer them truly. Will you tell me where Huric 
Nevel is ?” 

“ I don’t know.” 

‘‘Will you tell me where you saw him last ?” 

“ I haven’t seen him since he fought the duel with 
Pamonoff,” 


THE MTSTIC TBIBUNAL. 


143 


** Beware !** 
have not.” 

Mark me : I have had you watched, and I know 
that you have seen Nevel within these three days. This 
I know, so I have no hesitation in the course I am about 
to pursue. Once more — where is Euric Nevel ? ” 

The man hesitated now ; but his answer was still the 
same. He would not tell. 

Yladimir made a motion to the two men who stood 
by the wall, and they gave a pull upon the chain. 

‘‘ Oh ! oh ! ” gasped the prisoner, as the painful 
twist and wrench came upon his thumbs. 

“ Will you answer ? ” 

“ How can I ? How can I ? ” 

“ By speaking what you know.” 

“ I know nothing.” 

Another signal was made to the men at the chain, 
and they pulled again. Another groan from the pris- 
oner, but no response. 

Another signal — and another pull. 

“ Mercy ! ” shrieked the poon wretch, quivering with 
pain. 

“ Will you answer ? ” 

I don’t know.” 

“ Then we must try again.” 

** No, no. Oh, no more ! ” 

** But you must answer.” 

“ I don’t know.” 

“ Then you must have forgotten, and such treacher-* 
ous memories need starting up.” 

As Vladimir thus spoke he waved his hand again, 


144 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ Oh, God have mercy ! Oh-o-o ! Save me ! Save 
me ! ” 

“ Save yourself.” 

The 'wretch was iu torment now without ceasing. 
Nearly the whole of his weight bore upon his wrists and 
thumbs, and the latter were drawn over almost to the 
v/rist. But he would not answer. He had a deeper 
fear than this. He feared to break the horrid oaths by 
which he was bound to the scheming priest. 

One more pull upon the chain and the man’s feet 
were clear of the floor. His whole weight now bore 
Avrenchingly upon his thumbs, and he groaned in the 
agony of torture. He bore it a few moments, but his 
coward soul could bear no more. 

“ Oh, mercy! Down 1 down 1 Let me down !” 

“ But answer. Where is Euric Nevel? ” 

- I_I -don’t— ” 

Hold, thou false-hearted villain 1 ” shouted Vladi- 
mir, in a voice of thunder. “ This is the last of this 
torture ; but when we take you from here we can put 
you into a state cqmpared with which the pain you 
now experience is real joy ! Each particular limb shall 
be WTenched out of shape, and your very eyes shall 
start out like — ” 

“ Down I down ! Oh, have mercy 1 down ! ” 

Whei'e is JRuric Nevel ? ” 

“ I’ll tell you — I’ll tell you if you spare me 1 ” 

“ Tell me first 1 ” 

There was a moment more of hesitation — one single 
jaoment — and then the miserable wretch gave up. 

“ He’s in the old bath-house.” 

Ha 1 Where ? ” 


THE MYSTIC TRIBUNAL. 


146 


‘‘ In the old bath, near the river — on the Tula pass — 
in one of the vaults ! ” 

(( Very well. Let him down.” 

The chain was slacked up, and Frederick Viska was 
once more upon his feet. He trembled yet, for there 
was pain in his arms. 

“ How carry him out,” ordered Vladimir, ‘‘ and bring 
the other one in.” 

In a few moments more Lesko Totma was before the 
strange tribunal. He trembled fearfully, for he had 
been where he could hear his companion’s groans with- 
out hearing what he said. 

’ “ Lesko Totma,” spoke the monk, in a low, deep 
tone, “ w^e have given you time for thought, and may- 
hap you have your memory brightened by this time. 
Now, where is Ruric Nevel ? ” 

“ I don’t know.” 

“ Ah, you still forget, eh ? ” 

‘‘ I never knew.” 

“ A most strange forgetfulness, I must confess. Let 
the interpreiers be adjusted ! ” 

“ Oh, mercy ! Don’t murder me ! ” 

But no notice was taken of his cries. The straps and 
conical cups were adjusted, and the chain drawn tight. 
At the first turn of the self-acting screw the fellow 
shrieked. It was not so much with present pain as 
with the fear of what was to come. The very presage 
of the place, so dark and dismal, had more effect upon 
his mind than it had upon his companion’s. , . 

At a second pull of the chain he groaned and begged 
for mercy. He had heard of this dark place, and he 


146 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


fancied that men who came ihere seldom went away 
alive. 

“Hark you, you base wretch,” the monk said, “if 
you do not tell me where the young gunmaker is I’ll 
have you torn limb from limb! another pull, there!” 

As the wrench came again the villain fairly shouted 
with pain. 

“ Oh ! let me go ! let me go ! I’ll tell all 1 ” 

“Then tell. You leave not this place alive until you 
have told ! ” 

“ He is — Oh 1 he is — in the ' old bath 1 ” 

“ Where ? ” 

“ The duke’s bath — on the pass of Tula 1 ” 

“ Whereabouts there ? ” 

“ In the lowest, furthest vault. Oh ! Spare ! ” 

Vladimir waved his hand, and the quaking wretch 
was freed from his torture. 

“ Now conduct them both to the dungeons, and lock 
them up. They must not run at large for the present. 
Let them be secure.” 

“ No, no,” cried Yiska, who had been brought back. 
“ You were to let me go if I told you.” 

“ Not free, sir,” said Vladimir. 

“But you have no right to hold me thus. I am 
nearly dead with pain now where you have torn my 
hands in pieces. By the — ” 

“ Silence, dog ! My authority here is my power. My 
right is my might. I have you, and I will keep you. 
Were I to let you go I might not have the power to 
catch you again, as legal officers could. Lead them off, 
and then we’ll turn our attention to the duke’s bath 1” 


WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DUKE’s BATH. 


147 


CHAPTEB XV. 

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DUKE’s BATH. 

Buric Nevel could keep no account of time. Dark- 
ness, and darkness only, dwelt with him in his prison 
house — darkness so utter that the only effect of open- 
ing the eyes was the nervous reality of the motion. In 
fact, ’twas lighter wdth the eyes closed than with them 
opened, for when tightly closed there were peculiar fan- 
tastic shapes floating in the imagination, and even this 
w^as a relief ; and then there was a sort of kaleidoscopic 
succession of colors when the lids w^ere tightly pressed 
that seemed grateful to the nerves, and gave variety to 
the mind. But when the eyes were open only a cold 
impenetrable blackness was present, within which there 
were no shapes, no forms, save the one form of utter 
chaos. 

Buric felt sure he had been there four days, and at 
times it appeared longer than that. Food and drink 
had been brought to him thrice, and ho was now with- 
out both. His strength had not yet left him, though 
there were pains in his limbs, and a chilling sensation 
about the heart. He had broken the rope from his 
arms on the first day of his confinement ; and he had 
hoped to overcome the man wFo brought him food and 
drink, and thus make his escape ; but no human being 
had yet come in to him. His food had been passed 
through a small wicket. 


148 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ And this is the end of life ! ” he murmured to him- 
self, as he paced slowly to and fro across the dungeon. 
“ Thus end all the hopes of youth, and here the prayers 
of a lifetime must close in one last hope — one hope of 
Heaven when earth has passed away ! My mother, no 
farewell can reach thee from the lips of thy son. He 
Avill lie down in the dark slumber of death, and thou 
shall not know his resting-place ! And, thou loved 
one — Oh 1 thou fondly-cherished, wildly-worshiped be- 
ing, thy smiles can shine no more for me. Oh ! Rosa- 
lind, would that I could see thee but once — that once 
more I might press thee to my bosom, and bid thee re- 
member me when I am gone. Had I never seen thee I 
might not be here now ! And yet, O God, for life 
itself I would not wipe away the written story of that 
holy love from my heart ! ” 

The thought of Rosalind came heavily upon him. All 
else he could give up in a higher hope than that of 
earth ; but for her he held a strange fear. She would 
be another’s. 

“ And must it be so ? ” he continued, after some min- 
utes of painful reflection. ‘‘ Alas ! she will be nothing 
to me hereafter ! My mother will know her son, but 
Rosalind will know another ! And yet — she may carry 
the old love with her always. She may never forget it. 
Oh ! could I but once — ” 

He stopped suddenly, for he heard a footfall in the 
low passage close by the dungeon. He listened, and 
he heard more. There were several feet — and soon he 
heard voices. He moved back to the extremity of the 
vault and listened. The feet stopped, and the sound 
of grating ii-on, like the drawing of a bolt, was heard. 


WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DUKE’s BATH. 


149 


Soon afterwards tlie door was opened, and the light 
from a lantern flashed into the place. For a few mo- 
ments the prisoner was blinded by the sudden transi- 
tion, but by degrees he overcame the difficulty, and was 
able to look up. 

The first object upon which his eyes fell was the 
hump-backed priest, Savotano. There were four others 
behind him, but Euric noticed them not yet. He saw 
before him the man whom ho believed to be the instru- 
ment of his suffering, and with one bound he reached 
him and felled him to the fioor. 

“ Hold !” cried one of the others — one who held the 
lantern — “ we have come to conduct thee out from 
here.” 

“ Ha ! — say you so ?” 

“ Most surely we have.” 

Then stand aside and let me go.” 

“ Just as you say. The doors are open and you may 
go. You may follow us, or you may go in advance.” 

“ Then lead on,” returned Euric, “ and I will follow.” 

As you say.” 

Thus speaking the man assisted the priest to liis feet, 
and led him out from the cell. In a few moments 
more the others w^ent out also, and Euric prepared to 
follow. He heard the priest cursing, but he noticed 
that one of the others led him off’. The youth stepped 
forth into the passage, but he did not place the fullest 
confidence in what he had heard. He reached the foot 
of the stairs, and the others were nearly up. He started 
to follow them, and had nearly gained the top, when a 
quick, lightning-like shadow flitted before him. He 
would have started back but ’twas too late. There 


150 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


came a blow upon his head, and mth a dull, crashing 
sensation he sank down. He realized that he was 
turned over, and that a rope was being lashed about 
his arms. 

But the prisoner had not been fully stunned. He re- 
turned to consciousness as they lifted him to his feet, 
and his first impulse was to try and force his bonds 
asunder, but this he could not do. He gazed up now, 
and he found only two men with him, and they wore 
masks upon their faces. They were stout, powerful 
men, and their very bearing was murderous, and his 
heart sank within him. 

“ Come,” said one of them. “ You’ll go with us. We 
won’t force you if you’ll walk.” 

“ But where ?” asked the youth. “ What mean you ?” 

“You’ll see when you get there. But there’s no 
time to waste ; so come.” 

What could the prisoner do ? His hands were firmly 
bound behind him, and his great strength availed him 
not a bit. He knew that he could not resist, so he 
simply bowed his head in token of submission, and pre- 
pared to follow his conductors. But they left him not 
to follow at will. They took him by either arm, and 
thus led him away. He remembered the room into 
which he had been first conducted on the evening of his 
capture, but he was not detained there. From here a 
long corridor led off to where a wing of the building 
had been partly torn away, and they soon came to a 
large circular apartment, in the centre of which was a 
deep basin, where, in years gone by, people had been 
wont to bathe. The walls looked grim and ragged by 
the feeble rays of the lantern, and the chill wind came 


WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DUKE*S BATH, 15l 

moaning through the cracks and crevices in the decay- 
ing masonry. 

“ There,” spoke one of the guides, as he set his lan- 
tern upon the top of a broken column, we will stop 
here.” 

The words were spoken in a sort of hushed, unmer- 
ciful tone, and Kuric felt them strike fearfully upon him. 
He gazed upon the man who had spoken, and he saw 
that he was preparing to throw off his pelisse, which 
he had thus far worn. As soon as this was off, he 
moved to where his companion stood and commenced to 
whisper. 

Could Euric mistake longer ? What reason, but one, 
could there have been for bringing him to such a place ? 
To the left, where the basin had once emptied itself, 
there was a dark, deep cave-like place, at the mouth of 
which a heap of rubbish had collected. What a place 
in which to hide a dead body ! So thought Euric. But 
he was startled from the dark reverie by a darker reality. 

One of the men had taken a club — a long, heavy 
bludgeon which the youth had not before seen — and was 
just balancing it in one hand while he spit upon the 
other. 

“You will not murder me here in cold blood ! ” cried 
Euric starting back. 

The stout ruffian clutched his club in both hands, but 
made no verbal answer. 

“ Speak ! Answer me ! ” the prisoner exclaimed, 
starting back another pace. “ Do you mean to murder 
me?” 

“ Why,” answered the man with the club, in a cool. 


r 


152 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOiSCOW. 


off-hand manner, “ since you are so anxious to know 
I’ll tell you. You will die within a minute ! ” 

‘‘ And will you take the life of one who never harmed 
you ? Hold 1 If money be your object — ” 

“ Stop,” interrupted the villain. You can’t argue 
us out of it in that way. You’ve got to die, and the 
sooner you go the sooner you’ll get over it. You won’t 
suffer a bit if you don’t go to kick up a fuss. There, 
now — if you hadn’t bothered me ’t^vould have been all 
over by this time.” 

What w^ould not Euric have given at that moment for 
the use of one of his arms ! But that was beyond pray- 
ing for. Yet he had his feet. He said nothing more, 
but he allowed the man to come within a few yards of 
him, and then he prepared for the only means of de- 
fence he had. The huge club Avas raised, and at that 
moment Euric saw that the other man also had a club. 
He knew then that they had been concealed there until 
now. 

“ Hark !” uttered the second villain, just as his com- 
panion had raised his club. “ What noise is that ?” 

“ I suppose they’re coming to see if we’ve finished 
the job,” returned the other, “ and we ought to have 
done it ere this. But they shall find it done ?” 

The ponderous club Avas raised again, and AAuth a 
quick, decisive movement the man advanced. Euric 
made a movement of the body as though he would bow 
his head for the stroke. Every nerve and muscle of his 
frame was set for the trial, and for the instant his heart 
stood still. Quick as thought his body bent — his light 
knee was brought almost to his chin — and then, Avith all 
the force he could command, he planted his foot in the 


WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DUKE’s BATH. 


153 


pit of tlie assassin’s stomach. The effect was electrical. 
The W'retch bent like a broken stick, and sank down 
without a single sign of life. 

The second man uttered an oath, and sprang forward 
with uplifted club, but Ruric easily dodged the blow, 
and then, as the thought for the first time flashed upon 
his mind, he darted to where the lantern stood, and 
overturned it. He had noticed an open passage close 
at hand, which seemed to lead to some sort of a dress- 
ing-room, and, guided by his memory alone, for it was 
now dark as Erebus there, he glided swiftly into it. 
When he knocked over the lantern he had upset 
column and all, and just as he reached the passage he 
heard a heavy fall, and he knew that his enemy had 
stumbled over the fallen column. He heard the curses, 
loud and deep, which dropped from the lips of the 
baffled man as he picked himself up, and in a moment 
more he was edified by conversation between the two : 
for villain number one had revived, though the tone of 
his voice plainly indicated that he had a severe pain 
still lingering with him. 

“ Michael ! Michael !” groaned number one ; and as 
he spoke Euric could hear him scrambling upon his 
feet. 

“ Hi, Orel,” returned number two. 

“ Have you dropped him ?” 

“ No!” cried Michael with a curse, which we do not 
choose to transcribe. “ He’s a perfect devil !” 

“ But where’s the lantern ?” ^ 

He put it out.” 

“ But you ought to have knocked him down, you 
clown.” 


154 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


‘‘ So had you.” 

“ Me ? Why, he kicked me over.” 

“ Well, he dodged by me, and kicked over the 
lantern.” 

But where is he now ?” 

“ He’s gone. Hark ! Ha ! I guess they’ve caught 
him. Don’t you hear ?” 

“ Yes ; they’ve caught somebody.” 

“ And of course it’s him. He went that way. Let’s 
go and find — ” 

He did not finish the sentence, for at that moment 
a voice came up in thunder tones, and it said : 

“ Euric ! Eueic ! ” 

“ What is that?” gasped villain number one. 

“ Euric 1 Euric ! ” 

“ That is not from any of our men ! ” cried the second 
villain. “ Pla ! they are coming this way ! ” 

Euric ! Euric ! ” 

“ Where shall we fiee?” cried Michael. 

“ There is but one place,” returned Orel. ‘‘ Here, in 
the little dressing-room. Come — let’s find it. Oh I 
curses on that gunmaker’s liead ! If he be not the very 
devil, then he is a bound partner of his. Have you , 
found the entrance, Michael ?” 

“No. It is near you somewhere. Can’t you — Ha! 
In 1 in 1 ” 

At that moment the flare of a flaming torch flashed 
through the gloom of the place, and the two villains 
stood revealed. A dozen stout men, all well armed, 
appeared in the only passage by which they could 
make escape, for to have fled into the dressing-room of 
which they had spoken w^ould avail them nothing. 


WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DURESS BATH. 155 


“ Ho, yillains ! ” shouted Yladimir tha monk, raising 
his flaming torch high above his head with his left 
hand, while with his right he waved a heavy sword ; 

w^here is Kuric Neve! ?” ' 

‘‘ Here I here ! ” cried our hero, starting forward into 
the larger room. 

“ What ! safe ? — alive ? — well ?” Vladimir fairly 
shouted. 

“ Aye — my noblest friends. But cast off this ac- 
cursed bond from my arms. It eats into the flesh.” 

The rope was quickly taken off, and then the youth 
embraced his deliverer. No questions were asked there. 
Only a few sincere thanks were uttered, and then atten- 
tion was turned to the two villains who yet stood 
trembling near them. They had not attempted an es- 
cape, for the way vras blocked up. They were quickly 
secured, and then the party turned away from the 
place ; and as they went Buric gave the monk an ac- 
count of the manner in which he had been entrapped, 
and of the events wdiich had transpired since. 

‘‘Merciful Heavens!” ejaculated Yladimir, as Buric 
closed his account of the manner in which he had over- 
come the two men who had thought to murder him. 
“ It was a narrow escai)e.” 

“ But I might not have escaped without your com- 
ing,” the youth said, “ for they would surely have found 
me. With my hands lashed behind me, as they were, 
I could not have escaped.” 

“ True — true,” returned Yladimir, thoughtfully. “ It 
was a nari’ow chance. But it is over now.” 

“ And how gained you the knowledge of my where- 
abouts?” asked Buric. 


156 


THE GUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


“ I’ll explain it to you Avlien we have time. But did 
I understand you to say the hump-backed priest was 
here ?” 

“ He came to my dungeon with the rest, and ’twas he 
that I knocked down. Have you not found him ?” 

“ No — we have seen nothing of him. We found two 
men in the hall, that was all.” 

The place was searched all through for the priest, 
but he could not be found, and when Yladimir was as- 
sured that the arch villain had made his escape he pre- 
pared to leave the building. The prisoners — four of 
them — were led out first, and taken away by the monk’s 
followers. 

When Kuric reached the street the stars were all out, 
and the' cool, frosty air struck gratefully upon his brow. 
He turned toward his mysterious companion, and un- 
der the grateful impulse of the moment he stopped. 
He raised his hands toward heaven — uttered one fer- 
vent sentence of thanksgiving to God — and then moved 
on again. 


THWARTED, BUT NOT SUBDUED. 


167 


CHAPTER XVI. 

THWARTED, BUT NOT SUBDUED. 

It was long after midnight, and yet the widow Nevel 
had not sought her bed. She was now pacing to and 
fro across her kitchen, and the boy Paul sat nodding in 
his chair. Suddenly the woman stopped, and Paul 
started up. 

“ Do you think that message was a false one ?” she 
asked, looking the boy in the face. 

I don’t know,” he returned. “ If he came from the 
black monk, as he said he did, then I think he spoke 
the truth.” 

“ Oh ! They would not have deceived me.” 

No, my mistress, I am sure they would not.” 

“ But it is very late.” 

“ Hark ! — There are bells.” 

The widow heard them, and with a wildly fluttering 
heart she sank into a chair. 

They have stopped in front of the house,” said Paul 
whose head was bent in a listening attitude. 

“ Go — go — open — ” 

Paul started. The widow heard the door opened, 
and she heard voices in the hall. In a moment the, 
inner door was opened, and she looked up. She saw 
a manly form — she heard the magic word — Moiher — > 
trembling upon the air. With one low cry of joy she 


158 


THE GUNMAKEB OF MOSCOW. 


started to her feet, and on the next moment she was 
olasped to the bosom of her son. 

“ Did I not saj I’d bring him back to you?” cried 
Yladimir, rubbing his hands with joy. 

Oh ! God bless you, sir !” the widow murmured, 
gazing through her tears into the monk’s face. 

“ So, so,” returned the strange man. “ The bless- 
ing of an honest soul is reward enough for one night, so 
I’ll take myself off for the present.” 

No, no,” cried Kuric. “ You’ll remain here till 
morning.” 

But the monk could not be prevailed upon so to do. 
He had business to attend to, and he could not stop ; 
and he hurried away as quickly as possible to avoid 
the thanks that were showered upon him. 

After Yladimir was gone, Euric sat down and related 
to his mother all that had occurred since that day on 
which he left her to go and see the count. She trem- 
bled fearfully as he related the diabolical attempts that 
had been made upon him ; and when he had concluded 
she sat for a few moments like one in a painful trance. 

“ And do you think,” she said at length, while a cold 
shudder ran through her frame, ‘Ghat the Duke of Tula 
was the cause of all this ?” 

“ I am sure of it, my mother.” 

“ Then you are not safe yet.” 

“ But I shall see the emperor.” 

“ I have seen him, my son.” 

“ Ah — and what said he ? 

“ Why — he said if we could find out who had done 
you harm he would punish them. Then I asked him— 
^suppose it was a duke ? and he said in that case he 


THWARTED, BUT NOT SUBDUED. 159 

should have to look into the matter. Oh ! I fear he 
would not dare to punish the powerful Olga.” 

“ Perhaps not ; but jet, mj mother, I will give him 
credit for better things. Yet,” the youth continued, in 
a sad tone, “there is one for whom I care more than 
self, and who is now within the wicked duke’s power. 
Oh ! she is his beyond any power of the emperor !” 

“ Not absolutely beyond his power, is she ?” the 
mother asked. 

“ Why — of course Peter has the power to set aside 
any wardship, but ’twould not be policy for him to in- 
terfere in the domestic affairs of his powerful nobles. I 
feel sure that his heart would bid him interfere, but his 
judgment would oppose it. You have seen Eosalind ?” 

“ Yes.” 

“ And was she imhappy when she knew that I was 
missing i 

“Ah, Kuric, returned the mother, with a kindling 
eye, “ you do not know how that noble girl loves you. 
Her heart was almost broken when she knew that evil 
had befallen you.” 

The widow had it in her mind to tell of the scene 
which had transpired upon the duke’s coming into the 
maiden’s presence when she was there, but she thought 
a second time ere she spoke, and then she concluded 
not to speak of it at present, for she knew ’twould only 
serve to give her son additional pain without bestowing 
any benefit. 

“By heavens!” uttered Euric, at the end of a, 
troubled reverie, and at the same time clasping his 
hands vehemently together, “ was ever man so sur- 
rounded by impenetrable mystery before ? This monk 


160 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


is surely a good man. He lias served me well, and I 
am sure he would serve me more if opportunity offered. 
But who is he ? Have you found out anything con- 
cerning him ? ” 

“ I have not, my son.” 

“ But is it not strange ? ” 

It is.” 

And so they conversed until their drooping lids 
would no longer remain apart, and then, having first 
rendered up their thanks to God, and asked His help 
for the future, they retired to their respective places of 
rest. Buric had strange dreams, and for the life of 
him he could not tell whether they were good or bad. 
Once he dreamed he was a duke himself, and that he 
had a wife whose face he had never seen. She would 
not raise her veil until the ceremony was performed. 
Then she removed the obstruction, and Buric started 
on beholding the face of Vladimir the monk ! And 
then Vladimir seemed to say : “ All this I have done 
for thee. Do you like it ? ” And Buric dared not 
object because Vladimir had done so much for him. 

And now, while Buric awakes from his dreams and 
wonders what they meant, let us look in and see what 
is going on in the ducal palace. 

It was early morning, and the Duke of Tula was once 
more in his own private apartment. He had not slept 
well, for he, too, had had dreams, and they wei'e trouble- 
some ones. They hung about him even now, and they 
filled his mind with dark and gloomy forebodings. He 
paced to and fro across the apartment, sometimes stop- 
ping and bowing his head, and then starting on again 
with new clouds upon his brow. Thus he walked and 


THWARTED, BUT NOT SUBDUED. 


161 


pondered until lie was aroused by a stealthy footfall 
close to the door. He stopped and listened. He knew 
the step. ’Twas the one he had been waiting for. He 
moved to the door and opened it, and the hump- 
backed priest, Savotano, entered the apartment. 

“ Ah, Savotano, I feared you would never come,” 
said the duke, as his workman closed the door behind 
him. 

“ I would have come sooner if I could, my lord ; but 
even now it is early morning. The sun is hardly above 
the city walls.” 

“ Well — it is early, I know ; but I have not slept 
well.” 

“ I have not slept at all, my lord.” 

“No? Savatano, you look worn and weary. But 
you have been at work.” 

“ Aye — I have.” 

“ And you have come to tell me the result of that 
work. Does it move you so to do such work ? I 
thought you were used to it ? ” 

The priest gazed into his master’s face, but he did 
not speak. 

“ Bah ! ” said Olga, contemptuously. “ What is the 
killing of a man ? But tell me — did you conceal the 
body so that no one will find it ? ” 

It was some moments before Savotano spoke. His 
frame trembled, and his hands worked nervously to- 
gether. But at length he said, in a hesitating tone : 

“ He is not dead, my lord.” ’ ‘ 

“ Not dead yet ? But you promised me he should 

be.” 

“ I know — but we could not do it.” 


162 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ I gave you credit for more firmness. Not kill a 
man ? What is there so terrible in it ?” 

“You misunderstood me, my lord. We did all we 
could towards killing him, but he escaped us.” 

“ Hold !” cried the duke, starting forward and grasp- 
ing the priest by the shoulder. “ You do not mean 
that Euric Nevel has escaped you ?” 

“ He has, my lord.” 

“ But not entirely ? You do not mean that he has 
fairly gone from out your hands ?” 

“ He has, my lord. But listen — ” 

“ Listen, thou bungler ! What story can you tell to 
make that smooth and reasonable ? You had him in 
your power, and you should have kept him.” 

“ But, my lord, Satan himself is working for that 
man. We went last night to kill the fellow, and I 
waited all of two hours for Totma and Yiska, but the 
rascals did not come, and I engaged others.” 

“ And did they prove treacherous ?” cried Olga, in 
sudden passion. 

“No, my lord — they did their best, but they were in- 
tercepted by that accursed black monk, who came 
backed by some dozen men.” 

“ What ! Do you mean that Vladimir came there ? 

“ Yes.” 

“ And with a band of armed men ?” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Then, by the gods, there’s treachery somewhere ?” 

“I know not what to think, my lord,” returned Savo- 
tano, in an uneasy, perplexed tone. “ The only men 
who are absent are Lesko Totma and Frederick Yiska ; 
and they are surely our best men.” 


THWARTED, BUT NOT SUBDUED. 163 

But you see plainly that there must have been 
treachery !” exclaimed the duke, passionately. “ Oli ! 
how I would like to know the man ! And did this 
monk carry off the gunmaker ?” 

“ He did. And he captured four of our men. I 
escaped without being seen.” 

“ That is fortunate — ” 

“ I mean that the monk did not see me — nor did any 
of his followers. But the gunmaker saw me.” 

“ And do you think he mistrusted you had any hand 
in the matter of his imprisonment ?” 

“ I should judge so,” returned the priest, with a pe- 
culiar twinge of vengeance about the lips. “ The vil- 
lain knocked me down.” 

“ Ha !” 

“Aye — the moment he saw me.” 

“ But do you think he hioivs anything about it ?” 

“ No, I do not think he does. He can only sus- 
pect.” 

“ Then we’ll be prepared for him, if your own men 
are to be depended upon. But leave that to me. I’ll 
fix that matter with the emperor. I’ll see him this very 
day, and be sure he shall have a story that can destroy 
all evidence which these fellows can hatch up.” 

“ But I must flee, my lord.” 

Not yet, Savotano. I must have your help within 
a very short time. The Countess Kosalind Valdai 
shall be my wife within the present week. I’ll place 
the seal of fact upon that matter at once. Fear not, 
for I know my influence over the emperor will shield 
you from all harm. Why, Peter would sooner lose his 
right arm than lose me.” 


1G4 


THE GUNMAKEE OF MOSCOW. 


‘‘Then most surely I Avill remain, my lord, for I 
much wdsh to perform that ceremony for you. But 
Avho is this black monk? — this 'VTadimir?” 

■ The duke started across the floor, and for some mo- 
ments he continued pacing to and fro. When he stopped 
he brought his hands together Avith an energetic move- 
ment, and looking the priest sternly in the face, lie said : 

“ Let that monk be avIio he may, I’ll destroy him ! I 
have the poAver, and I’ll use it. As AA^arden of the city 
I have the power to arrest him upon suspicion of con- 
spiracy. I’ll do it. Where is he now ? ” 

“ I knoAV not.” 

“ Never mind. I’ll to the emperor first. I’ll study 
my plan, and ere the sun sets it shall be carried out. 
I’ll be baffled thus no more. I could have A\dshed that 
Ihis gunmaker had been quietly out of the Avay, for then 
all Avould have been clear and plain, and I should not 
have feared the trouble of his clamoring about my ears. 
But let him go. I would not give much for the life he 
has left. I’ll dispose of him soon. But that monk — he 
dies at once, and without consultation Avith the emperor ; 
for I can sAvear he is a conspirator.” 

“ Good! ” ejaculated the priest. 

And thus the business Avas arranged for the present. 
Passion helped the duke wondrously in his conclusions ; 
and the wish was made into the 2>ower. But even be- 
fore the priest left the stout nobleman began to Avish 
that he had a A^ery little more poAver. In fact, as he 
came to reason he began to doubt ; but he gave up not 
one idea of the plan he had formed for the vengeance 
his soul so madly craved. 


TRANSACTIONB OF A NIGHT. 


165 


CHAPTER XVIL 

TRANSACTIONS OP A NIGHT. 

“ I dare not ! Oh, I dare not I ” 

“ But it is your only hope.” 

And whither shall we go ? ” 

“ Anywhere, rather than remain here. Oh ! my mis- 
tress, if you stay here you know the fate which awaits 
you. There is no other means of escape from the 
wicked duke’s power.” 

“ And I must thus cast mj^self among strangers — lose 
my all of earth — ” 

“ Hold, Rosalind. There is surely one in Moscow 
who will help you. Let us go to the emperor. Oh, if 
he he the man I have heard, he will surely listen.” 

“ Ah, Zenobie, the duke is high in powei% and his in- 
fluence is great at court. Peter would not dare to 
thwart him.” 

“ It may be so, but I do not believe it. And yet, my 
mistress, just think, for one moment, how you stand in 
that respect. You have nothing to lose. This life of 
earth, with all its pains and sorrows, and with its most 
exquisite tortures, holds nothing worse for you within 
the bounds of possibility than to become the duke’s 
wife. If there w^ere but one chance in the thousand, 
you had better try it. Remember — you cannot possibly 
lose anything, but the chances are for you. Let us go 
to the emperor.” 


166 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ But Ilow, Zenobie ? ” 

“ This evening — after the darkness of night has 
gathered over the city — let us go. I tell you I do not 
believe the emperor will deliberately suffer a great 
wrong to be done for the sake of pacifying the duke 
He has more noble independence than that.” 

The 3"oung countess did not answer at once. She 
pressed her small white hand hard upon her brow, and 
thus she remained for some time buried in profound 
thought. At length she raised her head, and the fire of 
determination was in her eye. 

“ I will go,” she said. “ I will go to the emperor. 
Ho will help me if he has a human heart.” 

‘‘ You have one satisfaction, my mistress : he cannot 
harm you.” 

“ Cannot ?” 

“ I mean that you can but be made to marry with 
Olga ; and all other harm would be as nothing compared 
with that.” 

“ Aye, you are right, Zenobie. We will go this very 
night.” 

The more Eosalind pondered upon this new resolve 
the more hope did she derive from it. Ere long she 
conversed more freely with her attendant, and at times 
that old smile would struggle for a moment upon her 
face. Yet she had gloomy moments, too. Her fear 
was too deeply fixed to be swept away so easily. 

The afternoon passed away, and as the shades of 
night gathered over the great city, the two girls were 
astir. Zenobie gathered together such articles of cloth- 
ing as would be needed, and proceeded to prepare her 
mistress for the adventure. 


TRANSACTIONS OF A NIGHT. 167 

“ Fear not,” she said, as she drew on Kosalind’s robe 
of fur, “ for there can be no danger worse than that we 
flee from. Try only to remember that you flee from 
the duke.” 

This served to nerve the fair young countess up to 
the task, and her frame ceased its trembling. 

“ I shall not falter now,” she said. But shall we 
find the emperor at this late hour ?” 

“ Bless me, ’tis not late. But even if we do not see 
him to-night, we can do it in the morning. We shall 
find plenty in the imperial palace who will shelter us 
till then.” 

The girls were now ready, and all that remained was 
to start on their strange mission. With noiseless steps 
they left the apartment where they had dressed, and 
proceeded along the corridor to the great staircase. 
Zenobie knew there would be less danger there than to 
go down the other way among the servants. Having 
descended these stairs they came to the great hall, 
Avhich opened one way into the salons. They took the 
former course, and were soon in the court. The only 
trouble now was in passing the porter’s lodge at the 
gate, for they knew the great gate was not open, and 
to gain the street they must pass through the room 
where the porter always staid. Zenobie went ahead 
and looked in. The porter sat by the fire playing with 
his dog. 

“ My mistress,” whispered the girl, as she came back, 
old John is in the lodge, and we need have no fear. 
He is a simple, good-natured fellow, and I am sure I 
can get by him. Do you go in advance — cover up your 


168 


THE GUNMAIvER OF MOSCOW. 


face — don’t look at him ; and be sure you don’t tremble. 
Leave it all to me. Remember now : yon have — ” 

“ Fear not, Zenobie. Go on.” 

So on they went, and when they reached the lodge 
Rosalind went in first and stood by the wicket, while 
Zenobie followed, and opened the door that looked into 
the porter’s room. 

“ Good John,” she uttered, in anxious tones, “ come 
and open the wicket for me quick. My good mistress 
is very ill, and Tilda and I are going for the doctor. 
Come — be quick.” 

“But why don’t some of the men go?” asked John, 
as he started up and forced his dog back. 

“ Because ’twould take them longer to do the errand 
than ’twill us. But don’t detain us. We shan’t be 
gone long.” 

The honest porter had orders not to allow the count- 
ess to pass out, but he thought not of that now. He 
had known the gentle girl from a child, and so well did 
he love her that he might not have stopped her even ^ 
had he known she was then waiting to pass out. At 
all events, he could not refuse the present request, so 
he came out and opened the wicket without further 
question, and the girls passed through. 

“ Now — now,” said Zenobie, in nervous haste, “ we 
are clear of the palace. Here is the street. Our walk 
is not long.” 

Rosalind answered not, but drawing her robe more 
closely about her to keep out the cold, biting wind, she 
hastened along by the side of her companion. Hope 
was now alive within her. She turned one glance 
behind her, and she could see the light which she had 


TRANSACTIONS OF A NIGHT. 


169 


left burning in lier chamber. It seemed at that 
moment to be the fiery eye of a demon gazing after 
her, and instinctively she quickened her pace. 

Twice during the day did the Duke of Tula call at 
the imperial palace without being able to find the 
emperor ; but in the evening he was more fortunate. 
The emperor was in, and Olga was admitted at once to 
his presence. 

“Well, my lord duke,” said Peter, as Olga ap- 
proached, “ what business calls you from home at this 
hour?” 

“ Business of importance, sire. Business of less 
moment to me than to the state.” 

“ Ah ! Proceed.” 

Only two attendants were with the emperor, one of 
whom was Demetrius the Greek, and the place of 
audience w^as in one of the private apartments near the 
bed-chamber, where only privileged ones were ever 
allowed to come. 

“ Sire,” commenced the duke, “ you remember the 
gunmaker who was before you not long since ?” 

“ Ah — yes. The one who took my Greek’s sword 
from him ?” 

“ The same, sire. Have you heard from him since ?” 

“ I had well nigh forgotten the feUow. Yes, yes — I 
remember him well now. He was a right stout knave.” 

“ Aye — and a dangerous one, too, sire. A dangerous 
man, said the duke, with a dubious shake of the head. 

“ Ah — what has he done ? 

“ Why — he has been engaged in various robberies to 
my certain knowdedge ; and only a few evening since 


170 


THE GUNMAKER OP MOSCOW. 


he knocked down one of our holy priests and robbed 
him of all he had. He is at the head of a numerous 
band of desperadoes.” 

“ Is it possible?” 
know it, sire.” 

‘‘ I should not have believed this.” 

“ Nor w^ould I have believed it, sire, had I not re- 
ceived proofs not to be questioned. I, as is my duty, 
have long been anxious to ferret out this gang of rob- 
bers — ” 

“ But I have never heard of them, Olga,” interrupted 
Peter. 

“ Ah, sire, because I gave directions that you should 
not be troubled with the affair. But I have them now. 
It is only last evening that I got a clew upon them. 
AVe found them in an old building near the river, here 
in the Kremlin, and this same Buric Nevel w^as with 
them. But he made his escape.” 

‘‘I do remember me now that the fellow had a bold 
bearing and a fearless look,” said the emperor, half to 
himself ; “ and if such a man turns villain there must 
be danger in it.” 

“ Aye, sire — you speak truly. And now, with your 
order, I can apprehend the fellow at once.” 

“ I can send and have it done, my dear Duke.” 

“ But your officers may not find him. I know where 
he is, and can have him taken at once. He has sev- 
eral hiding-places.” 

“ Well — then you might do the work with more ad- 
advantage.” 

“ Aye ; and I can have him tried and disposed of 
without further trouble to you, sire.” 


TRANSACTIONS OP' A NIGHT. 


171 


No, no. I wish to see him,” returned the emperor. 
“ I will give 3'ou the necessary order, and you may 
bring him here.” 

Peter then turned to his secretary, and bade him fill 
an order for Puric Novel’s arrest. The stout master-at- 
anns looked on with a troubled countenance, and his 
glances toward the duke were anything but loving. He 
(lid not seem to relish the business at all, and the ex- 
pression of his countenance would seem to indicate that 
he did not believe all that the duke had said. 

However, the order was soon in the duke’s posses- 
sion. 

“ Pemember,” said Peter — “ you must bring him be- 
fore me.” 

“ You shall be obeyed, sire.” 

If the emperor did not notice the strange, dark look 
of the duke as he turned away, the Greek did ; and he 
fancied, too, that he knew what it meant. But he said 
nothing then. 

Olga bowed low as he clutched the order, and having 
once more promised obedience, he hurried from the 
imperial presence. As he passed out through the 
wide court he walked slowly and thoughtfully, and 
with his head bowed ; but soon he started up — his 
hands came together with an emphatic movement, and 
he moved on more quickly. He had gained the street, 
and approached a small court within which stood a 
house of entertainment, where he stopped. In a few 
moments more a man came out from the inn, and as 
soon as he had satisfied himself that the new-comer was 
the duke, he spoke. 

Olga — is’t you ?” 


172 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“Yes.” 

It needed but a single glance in the dim starlight to 
recognize the form of the hump-backed priest. He 
walked quickly to where the duke stood, and the two 
moved off together. 

“ Now what luck ?” Savotano asked, as they gained 
the street once more. 

“ Good — as good as I could even hope,” returned the 
duke. “ I have the power for arresting the gunmaker.” 

“ And for executing him ?” 

“It amounts to the same. I am ordered to bring him 
before the emperor ; but that is easily managed.” 

Here the duke stopped and gazed about him, and 
then bending his head, so that no word could possibly 
pass beyond his companion’s ears, he continued : 

“ You can call upon three of your best men, and I 
can furnish two from among my own servants. Early 
in the morning — by the time the sun is up — they must 
be at the gunmaker’s dwelling. They must make him 
angry — of course, he will resist — and then kill him. 
It is very simple — very. They can easily dispatch him 
thus, and then we have only to tell tlie emperor that he 
resisted the imperial authority even unto death. So 
you see this is even better than k would have been had 
I received direct authority for his death ; for then some 
form of trial would have been necessary, but now we 
have only to go to his house — provoke him to quan-el 
— kill him — and then tell tlie emperor how it happened. 
What think you?” 

“ Why,” returned the priest, with a wicked chuckle, 
“ I can only say that Master Nevel is done for — he is a 
dead man.” 


TRANSACTIONS OF A NIGHT. 


173 


“ Exactly. Nothing could be better — nothing.” 

After the explanation of this fiendish scheme, the two 
walked on some distance in silence. 

“ Stop,” uttered the duke, catching his companion by 
the arm. “ There come two persons this way. We 
must not meet them. Here — into this passage — 
quick !” 

It was a narrow, dark passage leading to the next 
street, into which the duke dragged his companion, and 
here he meant to remain until the two persons had 
passed. The fact was, the duke did not wish to be seen 
with the priest at that hour in the street, and it is no 
matter of surprise that he should at that moment have 
been influenced by guilty fear. The two pedestrians 
came on, and passed the spot where the men stood. 
They were females, and one of them the priest saw in 
the face. The features were upturned to the starlight, 
and he recognized them. He caught the duke quickly 
and nervously by the arm. 

“ ’Twas the countess!” he whispered. 

“ Rosalind gasped Olga. 

‘‘ Yes — as sure as death !” 

‘‘ Then come — quick 1” 

Savotano understood the meaning of this, and he fol- 
lowed the duke quickly out. At a few bounds Olga 
reached the females, and one of them he caught by the 
arm. She uttered a sharp, quick cry, and as she turned 
her face up she revealed the fair features of the Countess 
Kosalind Valdai ! The priest had no need to stop the 
other girl, for she stopped of her own accord as soon as 
she found that her mistress was captured. 

‘‘ Aha 1” Olga uttered, when he saw that pale face. 


174 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ What now, eh ? Where are you bound at this un- 
seemly hour ?” 

“ Oh, God !” It was all the poor girl could utter. 
She saw the dark face of her hated and feared guardian, 
and the last glimmer of hope faded from her soul. 

“ It is fortunate I have found you,” the duke re- 
sumed, fastening his grip surely upon the maiden’s 
arm, “for you might have fallen into difficulty else. 
You were bound for the imperial palace, eh?” 

At first Eosalind thought of struggling for escape, but 
she felt the strong gripe upon her arm, and she knew 
that such a movement could result only in her own 
harm. 

“ Say,” repeated the duke, “ were you not bound for 
the palace ?” 

“ Aye, proud duke, I was,” the countess replied, 
gazing up into the man’s face. “ I was trying to escape 
from your power !” 

“ Aha ! But come — we’ll turn towards home. You’ll 
be better off there. And this is our little Zenobie, is 
it ?” 

The attendant looked up, but she made no reply. 
Then Olga turned to the priest. 

“ Savotano, hurry off your men in the morning, and 
then come to me. I’ll have work for you to-morrow.” 

And then, with a sinking, breaking heart, Bosalind 
Valdai was led back towards the ducal palace. 


STEANGE AND COMPLICATED. 


175 


CHAPTER XYIII. 

STRANGE AND COMPLICATED. 

Ruric Nevel dreamed that he was a great general, 
and that he was upon the eve of an engagement. He 
gained a view of the commander of the opposing army, 
and he saw that it was the Duke of Tula. Yet the duke 
had an enormous hump upon his back, and instead of 
the usual uniform he wore the garb of a priest. This 
was very strange ; — at least, so ran Ruric’s thoughts 
in the dream. Soon the engagement commenced, and 
the loud-mouthed artillery opened its thunder. The 
din was deafening and strange, and Ruric shouted in 
vain to his aids, for the roar of cannon drank up his 
words direct from his lip^. Louder and more loud grew 
the crash, and finally Ruric started for the charge. His 
horse was shot under him, and with a quick leap he 
reached his feet. 

“ Ruric ! Ruric ! My Masier P' 

Slowly the youth opened his eyes, and Paul stood by 
him in his night-clothes. He gazed about him, and 
found that he had leaped from his bed, and now stood 
shivering upon the floor. The boy held a lighted candle 
in his hand. 

“Don’t you hear that racket at the door?” asked 
Paul. 

“ What! — ha! — there is some one knocking!” 


176 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


And have you not heard it before ?” 

“ No.” 

Why did you leap up thus ?” 
was dreaming.” 

“ I thought ’twas the noise below. Why — they Ve 
been making a perfect thunder of noise down there. 
Shall I go down ?” 

Yes, go, Paul, and I will dress as soon as possible. 
What time is it ?” 

“ It must be near daybreak.” 

And thus speaking, Paul turned and went to his own 
room, where he threw on an outer garment, and then 
he w^ent down. At the door he found a stout man, 
wrapped up in furs, while close by stood a sledge with 
two horses attached to it. In the east the golden tints 
of morn were already visible. 

A gunmaker named Nevel lives here, does he not ?” 
asked the applicant, after having first made some pass- 
ing remark on the trouble he had had in starting some 
one up. ^ 

Paul feared that there might be something out of the 
way, but he dared not tell a falsehood where it could 
not possibly be of any use, so he answered in the 
affirmative. 

“ Then let me see him as speedily as possible.” 

“ He is preparing to come do^vn, sir. If you wdll 
walk in you mav see him verv soon.” 

The stranger followed the boy into the kitchen, 
where it was quite warm, the fire in the furnace having 
been burning all night. Ere long Kuric came down 
and the visitor started up. 


BTEINGX AND COMPLICATED. 


177 


‘‘ How ?” said the giiiimaker, starting forward and 
and extending his hand. “ Demetrius ?” 

“ Aye, my friend,” the Greek replied, with a smile. 
“ I am an early visitor, eh ?” 

I should say so ; but early or late, you are wel- 
come,” 

“Thank you. But we must not spend much time 
here now. My sledge is here at your door, and I wish 
you to accompany me. 

“ But wherefore is this ?” asked the youth, in sur- 
prise. “ What has happened now?” 

“ I’ll tell you : Last night Olga, the duke, came to 
see the emperor. I had just been giving his majesty 
some exercise at the sword, so I was present at the in- 
terview. The duke wished for power to arrest you ; 
and in explanation of the request, ho stated that you 
were at the head of a band of robbers here in the city, 
and that }^ou had already committed several robberies. 
I needn’t tell you all he said, but he made you out to 
be a most unmitigated villain, and with this the em- 
peror granted his request. Olga wished for power to 
execute you at once, but Peter would not go so far as 
that. He gave the power of arrest, but ordered the 
duke to bring you before him.” 

Buric stood for a few moments like one confounded. 

“ Then he must carry me to the emperor,” he said at 
length. 

“ Ah,” returned Demetrius, with a dubious shake of 
the head, “ be not too sure of that. I saw a look upon 
his face when he turned away that meant more than he 
dared to speak. As sure as fate he never means that 


178 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


you shall see the emperor. I know it — I saw it in hia 
evil eye.” 

But will he dare disobey the order ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, for he hopes to escape by falsehood. How 
easy for him to swear that he had to kill you to take 
you.” 

“ I see — I see.” 

“ Then come with me.” 

“ Did the emperor send you ? ” 

No ; but I take the responsibility. I will take you 
to him myself. Be sure the duke’s hirelings will be 
here before long. Trust to me and all shall be well.” 

Buric pondered a few moments, and he saw that his 
friend was right. 

“ Let me go and see my mother,” he said, and then 
I will go with you.” 

“ But make haste,” urged the Greek, ‘‘ for the duke’s 
men may be here soon, and I do not wish them to see 
you. And — tell your mother to inform whoever may 
call, that she knows not where you are gone, but that 
you will be back at night.” 

The youth nodded assent, and then went into his 
mother’s room, where he explained to her what had 
happened, and what he was about to do. 

‘‘ And how long must these things be ? ” the mother 
cried, gazing eagerly upon her son. 

“ Not long,” returned Buric. “ I may do much to- 
wards settling the matter to-day. But fear not, for I 
am now safe, and shall be until I see you again.” 

The widow promised all that her son asked, and soon 
became assured that all was well ; but Paul was left 
with the duty of attending to those who might come 


STRANGE AND COMPLICATED. 


179 


for Buric, though they might see the widow if they per- 
sisted. The boy promised to tell all that asked for his 
master that he was gone away on business, and would 
not return till evening. 

The mother came out before Buric was ready to start, 
and her examination of the Greek’s countenance seemed 
to be satisfactory, for the anxious look left her face, 
and she looked upon the visitor kindly. 

As Buric entered the sledge the dawn of day was 
plainly announced in the east, and the stars were pal- 
ing in the sky. The Greek did not take the direct road 
to the Kremlin, but struck off to the westward, and so 
entered by the Neglina. 

An hour later a party of five men drove up to the 
gunmaker’s cot. They were dark, villainous looking 
men, and murder was plainly stamped upon their faces. 
They entered the dwelling, but they found not their 
prey. They stormed and swore, but to no purpose, and 
when they were convinced %at the gunmaker was not 
there they went away. 

An hour later still, and another party drove up to the 
same cot. It consisted of two men in a double sledge, 
one of whom was Vladimir the monk. The fat, mystic 
man entered the cot, and there he remained for some 
time. When he came out the widow and Paul accom- 
panied him ; and they all got into the sledge and drovf 
off together. 

What did it mean ? 

* * * * * * • ' 

It was past noon. The proud duke was once more 
alone in his private room, and he was pacing uneasily 
to and fro. There was a cloud upon his brow and 


180 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


trouble in his soul. His lips were firmly set, and his 
hands clenched. Ever and anon he muttered to him- 
self, and w'hen he did so his hands would work nervously 
and emphatically. He looked often at his watch, and 
often he stopped near the door and hearkened. 

At length came that well-known shufiling, uncertain, 
cat-like tread. He threw open his door, and the dark 
priest glided in. 

“ Ha, Savotano, I’ve waited for you,” the duke 
uttered, sinking into a chair, for his nervous walking 
had made him weary. “ Now tell me the work is done. 
Oh, don’t tell me again of failure ! ” 

“ Alas ! my lord — ” 

“ Hold, Savotano ! You are not going to tell m© of 
failure ! ” 

“ Not really a failure, my lord,” the priest returned, 
nervously. “ But our men did not find the gunmaker 
at home. He had gone when we got there, and no one 
knew where.” 

“No one knew ? Did not his mother know?” 

“ No. She said he did not tell her where he was go- 
ing. He only left word that he was going on business, 
and should not return till evening.” 

“ By heavens ! I think he has fled.” 

“ No, my lord. I do not think so. I think he must 
have had business.” 

“ But what time were you there ?” 

“ Shortly after sunrise.” 

“ And had he gone then ?” 

“ Aye, he had been gone an hour.” 

“ It looks suspicious. But the men must be there 
tliis evejjing, He shall not escape me now,” 


STRANGE AND COJVIPLICATED. 


181 


‘‘ There is no fear of that, my lord. I will see that 
he is apprehended as soon as he returns.” 

“ Right, Savotano — right ! And now to the other 
matter. I am to be married this afternoon !” 

Ah, so soon ?” 

“ Yes ; I waste no more time. What is the use?” 

“ None, my lord — none at all.” 

“ Then you must remain, for the ceremony shall be 
performed as soon as possible.” 

“ And does the countess know of your determina- 
tion ?” 

“ Y’es, She knew it ere she rested last night. I told 
her she should not escape again till she could carry my 
name with her. By the mass, sir, she sealed her own 
doom ! Ha, ha, ha ! the Duke of Tula will have his 
coffers filled again. Money must come somehow, and 
how else so easily as this ?” 

“ Sure enough,” returned the priest, with that old 
coarse, wicked smile — “ sure enough, my lord, — how ?” 

In no way. Ho ! I’ll put the seal upon that budget, 
and stamp it — mine ! So here you remain until I am 
married. To-day — until that ceremony is performed, I 
am not sure ; but to-moiTow they cannot harm me. 
Oh — she shall be mine then ! She shall be mine, Savo- 
tano. To-day she is my wife — and to-morrow all the 
powers combined cannot undo the work. I have 
waited long enough. I have worked and schemed, and 
have puzzled my brain to one great purpose ; and yet 
each step I have marked out has failed me. Damonoff 
lives — the gunmaker lives — the Black Monk lives but I 
toOy live! Hal I live Savotano! and now the work 


182 


THE GUNMAKKR OP MOSCOW. 


shall be done as it might have been done at first, had 1 
been so disposed ! ” 

The duke had arisen to his feet while speaking thus, 
and his manner had been frantic and excited. As he 
ceased speaking he sank back into his chair and gazed 
the priest in the face. He was all iron now. Every 
nerve and muscle was set, and a fierce determination 
was in his soul. 

***•):•** 

There is one more scene in the ducal palace, and it 
goes on at the very time while the duke and his tool 
are together. 

Vladimir the monk was in the chamber of the 
countess, and the fair occupant and her maid were 
there with him. 

“ And you are sure he means to make you his wife 
to-day ? ” said the monk, in continuation of a conversa- 
tion which had been going on for some moments — 
“that he will have the ceremony performed whether 
you consent or not ? ” 

“Yes, sir,” the countess murmured. She gazed into 
the strange man’s face a few moments after she had 
spoken, and then, starting quickly up, she threw herself 
upon her knees before him. 

“ Oh ! ” she cried, with her clasped hands raised be- 
fore him, “ can you not help me in this bitter moment ? 
Do not say no. Oh, I know you have some strange 
power — and you may help me. You cannot know the 
misery I suffer. Oh ! earth has no pangs more cruel ! 
In the whole catalogue of woes there is nothing more 
bitter. Sir — ” and the maiden raised both hands 
toward heaven as she thus continued — “ sooner than be 


STRANGE AND COMPLICATED. 


18^ 


tliat man’s wife I wpuld with my own hand let my life- 
blood, were not the act a sin against my God ! But you 
may help me.” 

“ Alas, lady ! I cannot assure you now.” 

“ Oh — say not so. You can help me flee from here — 
you can And me some hiding-place — some place where 
my days can be spent in safety from this great evil.” 

But how can I help you away, lady ? ” 

Because you know some secret entrance to the pal- 
ace. You know some secret passage, else you would 
not be here now.” 

“ True,” the monk replied, in a perplexed tone, “ I 
do know such a way, for by that way I came, and by 
that w'ay shall I return ; but I cannot convey you away 
thus. I am sorry that — ” 

The monk stopped here for at that moment a heavy 
footfall sounded without. He had started up from his 
seat when the door opened, and the stout duke entered. 
The countess uttered one low, quick cry, and sank 
down. She would have sunk to the floor had not Ze- 
nobie caught her and bore her to the couch. 

The monk stood erect, with his arms folded across 
his breast, but his right hand was hidden within the 
the bosom of his robe. The duke started back like one 
thunderstruck, and it was some moments ere he could 
gain the power of speech. He turned first as pale as 
death, and then the blood mounted hotly, fiercely, to 
his brow. 

“ How came you here ? ” he gasped, in a hissing, 
frantic tone. 

To learn of your wickedness, Duke of Tula,” calmly 
responded Yladimir. 


r 


184 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


“ Ha ! do you beard me in my veiy palace, dog ? But 
you liave ventured here once too often. As sure as there 
is life in me you go not hence alive ! ” 

Hold, Olga ! ” spoke the monk ; and so strange and 
powerful was the tone that though the duke had turned 
towards the door, yet he stopped. “ This lady tells me 
you mean to make her your wife ? Is it so ? ” 

“ Out, accursed monk ! Who gave thee right to ques- 
tion me ? ” 

“Proud duke, you shall know that anon. But listen : 
If you force this lady to that thing 3"ou do it at your 
peril ! You had better seek the fabled potion of the 
gods, and drink and be a dog, than do that thing ! ” 

“ Hold a moment, monk ! ” cried the duke, now nearly 
blind with passion. “ You go not hence alive ! What 
ho, there ! Without, I sa^" ! Zenobie, pull that bell- 
cord ! Quick ! Back, monk ! You pass not here alive! 
What ho ! Without, there ! ” 

“ Beware, Olga ! ” spoke the monk, as calmlj^ as be- 
fore, at the same time drawing a heavy pistol from his 
bosom and cocking it. “I would shoot you as I would 
a dog 1 Offer one motion of impediment to 1113- passage 
and you die on the instant ! ” 

Instinctively the duke moved on one side. There was 
something in the look and tone of the strange man that 
he dared not cope with then. The monk passed out, but 
as soon as he was gone the duke sprang to the bell-cord 
and pulled it till he broke it. In a few moments more 
the servants came rushing in. 

“ Out, dogs ! ” the madman shouted, “ and stop that 
monk from leaving the palace. Kill him on the spot 
where you find him if he dares to offer the least resist- 


STRANGE AND COMPLICATED. 


185 


auce ! Kill him — you have my orders, and I am alone 
responsible.” 

Thus speaking the duke rushed from the apartment 
to start up more of his household. First to the gate of 
the court he went, but tlie monk was not there, nor had 
he been there. Then ho rushed to the postern, ])ut that 
was locked, and the snow was untrodden before it. He 
returned to the hall, and one by one the servants came 
back from the search. 

No monk could be found ! 

At first Olga was tempted to believe that his servants 
deceived him; but he quickly set that thought aside, 
for he could see by their countenances that they were 
as much astonished as he. The search was renewed, 
but the strange man was not to be found. There was 
*ome wonder, and — some uneasiness. 


186 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


CHAPTEE XIX. 

CONCLUSION. 

Pale as death sat the fair young countess in her 
dressing-room. She did not tremble now, for every 
nerve had become fixed in utter despair. 

“ Will you not change your dress, my mistress ?” 
asked Zenobie, in a low, tremulous tone. 

“ No, no,” the maiden replied ; and her voice sounded 
strangely even in her own ear, it was so low and hol- 
low. “ Why should I dress for the sacrifice ? The 
dumb beast may suffer garlands about its neck before 
being led to the heathen altar ; but, alas ! God has not 
given me a brute’s ignorance to help me now. No, no, 
Zenobie, I will not dress for the bride.” 

“ But the duke expects it.” 

“ I care not. He cannot ask me to do it. He may 
do all he wdlls, for I am helpless here, but lie dare not 
ask.” 

“ Oh ! my dear mistress,” cried the faithful girl, 
throwing her arms about the neck of her mistress, and 
weeping as she did so, “ would to God that I could 
bear this for vou.” 

“ I thank you all the same, my dearest friend,” the 
countess replied, gazing gratefully up into her attend- 
ant’s face; “but it matters not much now. I shall not 
suffer long. My sorrow will soon cease.” 

Zenobie looked inquiringly up, but she did not 


CONCLUSION. 


187 


God will soon take me home,” the wretched maiden 
murmured, after a pause. “ I feel the chill hand upon 
my heart even now, and I know that earth cannot bind 
my spirit long with such a curse upon it ! ” 

Zenobie had no words of consolation more to offer, 
so she did all she could do. She drew the head of her 
mistress upon her bosom, and there she held it for a 
long time. She held it thus until the door of the apart- 
ment was opened and a female domestic entered. 

Lady,” the new-comer said, trembling perceptibly 
while she spoke, “ the duke bade me tell you he awaited 
your coming below in the hall.” 

She stopped here, and seemed to wait for an answer ; 
but Kosalind did not speak. 

“ What answer shall I give him, lady ? ” 

At this the countess started up, but she sank back 
again without speaking. 

“Tell him we will come,” interposed Zenobie, who 

saw that the announcement had taken the last power of 

% 

effort from her mistress. 

Yes — yes,” whispered the countess, as the messen- 
ger hesitated and gazed inquisitively into her face. 

And with this the woman left the apartment. 

“ My dear mistress,” spoke Zenobie, now calling all 
her power of self-control to her aid, “ all means of help 
and escape we have tried in vain. The time has 
come — ” 

“ Oh, God have mercy ! ” groaned the countess. 

“ And we must meet it, since there is no further hope. 
It will be better to go down at once than to arouse the 
bad man’s anger by more delay. Were there the least 
glimmer of hope, wo would not go ; but there is not, 
you know what I mean.” 


188 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


A few moments Rosalind sat like one dead. Tiieii she 
started up, with her hands clasped, and raised her eyes 
towards heaven. She did not speak aloud, but her lips 
moved, and she slowly uttered a prayer to God — and it 
was none the less eloquent because it was silent. Then 
she turned to her companion. Her lips were set and 
colorless, and a deathly look had overspread her whole 
face. 

“ Zenobie,” she said, in a tone which bore no feeling 
more than the gliding of cold, icy sound, “ I am ready. 
Once more, before the last joy of earth departs from 
me, let me bless thee, and press thee to my bosom.” 

She opened her arms as she spoke, and when she 
closed them again Zenobie was within their embrace. 

Bless 3'ou — bless you ever ! God keep and guide 
you to the end of life, and then receive you home to 
Himself! Kiss me. There— I am ready now!” 

The broken-hearted girl wiped the tear from her eye, 
and in a moment more she ^vas as cold and passionless 
as before. 

Lead on, Zenobie. I shall walk without help.” 

Without looking around the Moslem maiden led the 
way to the hall. She Avalked slowly, and she fancied 
she could hear the beating of her mistress’s heart. In 
the hall stood the duke with some half-dozen of his own 
male attendants. He took the hand of the countess as 
she approached him, and gazed earnestly into her face ; 
but he did not speak. He led her towards one of the 
drawing-rooms, and when they entered there they found 
the hump -backed priest already in waiting. Rosalind 
came well-nigh fainting when she saw this miserable 
villain ready for his work. She knew now that the 
priest was like the master. 


CONCLUSION. 


189 


“ You see, my dear Countess,” spoke tke duke, in a 
low, hypocritical tone, “ that we have all prepared. I 
trust we shall have no trouble before this holy man.” 

This last sentence was spoken in a threatening tone, 
but it had no effect upon Rosalind. She hardly heard 
the words he spoke. 

“ Come, father,” said Olga, turning now to the priest. 
■‘We are ready.” 

Savotano moved forward and mumbled a Latin prayer. 
Then he looked upon the twain before him, and directed 
them to kneel. 

“No! no! no!” gasped the fair countess, trembling 
for the first time. “ I cannot do that ! ” 

“ Kneel ! ” hissed the duke, between his clenched 
teeth. And as he spoke he grasped the maiden more 
firmly by the arm and forced her down. She uttered a 
quick cry of pain as she felt the unmerciful grip, but she 
could not resist the strong arm of her persecutor. 

“Now go on! ” the duke cried as he held the maiden 
down. “ Go on, Savotano, and let the business be 
done as soon as possible.” 

“Hold!” 

It was a voice of thunder which spoke thus, and it 
came from the door. The duke started to his feet, and 
beheld Ruric Nevel, the gunmaker, approaching the 
spot. But the youth came not alone. Behind him 
came the huge bulk of Vladimir the monk. And more 
still — back of the monk came the widow, Claudia Nevel, 
and the boy Paul. And then there was, besides all this, 
a heavy tramp of feet in the hall, and the clang* of 

steel 

“ Hold! Stop this accursed mockery ” Ruric shouted, 
as he strode up the apartment? 


rjo THE GUNMAKEB OF MOSCOW. 

“ Miserable dog ! ” gasped the duke, mad and frantic 
with rage, “ how dare you come hither ? ” 

‘‘Look you, proud duke,” the monk interposed, 
coming quickly forward, “I am at the bottom of all 
this. I have come to stop this foul work ! ” 

Eosalind had started to her feet when she first heard 
Kuric’s voice ; and now, as the monk spoke, a ray of 
hope darted to her soul, and with a quick bound she 
reached her lover’s side. 

“ Buric ! Ruric ! ” It was aU she could say ; and 
with a gushing, whelming fiood of tears she pillowed 
her head upon his bosom, and his stout arms were 
wound fondly about her. 

“ Fear not,” he whispered, “ for oh ! Rosalind, thou 
art safe now.” 

The mad duke saw the movement, and with a bitter 
curse he started towards them. 

“Now by the living gods!” he shouted, with his 
fists clenched and his eyes flashing fire, “ you have come 
to your death ! What, ho, there 1 — Without ! Slaves, 
where are you ? ” 

In a moment more the side door was thrown open, 
and a dozen of the duke’s servants came rushing in. 

“ Ha ! ” Olga cried, “ you are in time ! Seize these 
dogs 1 Kill them on the spot if they offer one act of 
resistance. At them now ! Down with the dogs 1 ” 

“ Hold 1 ” It was Yladimir who spoke, and every 
arm dropped as they heard that voice. It was different 
from the voice they had heard the fat monk use before. 

The duke started as though a thunderbolt had burst 
at his feet. 

“ Who art thou ? ” he gasped, staggering furthej 
]3ack. 


CONCLUSION. 


191 


“ Olga — Duke of Tula ” — spoke the monk, in tones 
which sounded strange for him, because they were so 
different from those he had been wont to use, “ I am 
thy master ! ” 

As he spoke he threw open the long black robe which 
enveloped his person, and cast it upon the floor at his 
feet, and there let it lay, a huge pile of wadding and 
stufiing ! The vast rotundity of his person was gone, 
and the strange man now stood in his own fair form. 
His chin — that prominent chin — was no more hidden, 
and he was but a small man — not much larger than the 
boy Paul who stood near him. Next he placed his 
hand to his head and tore away the tight skull-cap, and 
the ring of gray hair came away with it, leaving a 
cluster of glossy hair floating down over the neck and 
shoulders ! 

“ It is the Emperor ! ” gasped Savatano, staggering 
back. 

‘‘ Aye ! ” cried Peter, turning his darkly-flashing eyes 
upon the staggering duke, “ I am your Emperor. Paul, 
go and call the guard.” 

The boy hastened from the palace, and when he re- 
turned he was followed by a party of the Imperial 
guard. 

‘‘ Mercy ! mercy ! sire ! ” gasped the duke, sinking 
down on his knees. 

But the emperor answered him not. He only turned 
to his guard and bade them secure the duke and the 
foul priest. 

Kosalind Valdai gazed upon the transformed man 
until the strange truth worked its way to her struggling 
mind, and then she turned once more to Kuric. She 


192 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


gazed up into liis face, and slie saw the holy smile 
Avhich rested there. The joyful truth came to her now, 
and with one long, low cry of frantic hojAe and bliss 
she sank upon her noble lover’s bosom. She could 
not speak — she could only cling closely and more close 
to her loved protector, and with her head pillowed on 
his breast close by the heart that beat for her, she wept 
away all the grief of her opened soul. 

“ Olga,” spoke the emperor, after the nobleman had 
been firmly bound, “ your race of iniquity is run.” 

“ No, no, sire,” the duke cried, in humble, supplicat- 
ing tones, “ say not so. In this single thing I may 
have been Avrong, but let my mad, consuming love be 
some palliation for my oflfeuce. Oh ! you Avill not 
crush me Avith public shame for this. You aaIII not 
cast from you one Avho loves you well.” 

“ Oh, miserable man ! ” said Peter, Avith a look of 
utter contempt upon the base wretch, “ add not perjury 
to your already accumulated crimes. Hark you : Some 
months since I knew there Avas a conspiracy in my capi- 
tal, and I knew there Avas much of evil, too, which Avas 
never reported to me. I resolved to ferret it out, and 
to that end I meant to mingle among my people Avith- 
out their knoAving me. So I had that robe made, and 
'so stuffed and wadded that I could even hide mv chin 

a/ 

in the seeming fat. I assumed the garb, and my OAvn 
master-at-arms did not at first knoAv mo. Once in a 
AA^hile I made my page assume the garb, and be seen in 
it about the city, and thus all thought of suspecting me 
Avas cut off. I have been at Avork, Olga, and I have 
found out all I sought. It was mere accident that threw 
pie in the way of this young gunmaker, and it was by 


CONCLUSION. 


198 


t»«cident, too, that I overheard the Count Damonoff and 
iiis companion discussing the subject of their mission 
to the gunmaker’s shop. Of course, I followed that 
scheme up, and I should have snatched our fair young 
countess from your grasp ere this had I not been de- 
sirous of arriving at another point first. Perhaps you 
know that the Princess Sophia and the Minister Ga- 
litzin have planned a grand overturn of my throne. 
Ah, you tremble ! And now, my noble duke,” the em- 
peror continued, in a deeper tone, “ I have learned of 
your own guilt in that affair. O ! you love me, do you? 
But I know you now. Two of your poor tools are in 
my hands. They are named Totma and Viska. They 
have made a full confession, and I know all your vil- 
lainies. I know what you have planned against this 
noble countess, and against her noble lover ; I know 
what you planned against the Count Damonoff ; and I 
know, too, what you have planned against the emperor. 
Not a word, sir ! You are the Duke of Tula no more. 
A more worthy man wears the ducal coronet from this 
hour. Euric Novel shall assume the station you have 
disgraced, and I know he will ennoble it once more.” 

As Peter ceased speaking he waved his hand to his 
officers, and they bore the prisoners from the room. The 
priest said not a word, but Olga cursed loudly and bit- 

terlv. 

«/ 

When the dark villains had gone, Peter stepped for- 
ward and took Eosalind’s hand. There was a tear in 
his bright eye, and his nether lip trembled. 

“ Fair cousin,” he said, in a low, soft tone, I could 
not promise thee that thou shouldst not wed with the 
Duke of Tula, for I had even then planned that you 


194 


THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW. 


should do that thing. But it will not be very hard, 
wiU it?” 

The countess gazed up, and a murmur of thanks was 
upon her lips ; but the gushing flood started forth anew 
and she could only look the joyful blessings she could 
not speak. Peter imprinted a kiss upon her pure brow, 
and then gave her hand to Kuric, and as he did so he 
said, with a warm smile : 

“You must be her guardian hereafter, and should 

you tire of the duty your emperor will be ever ready to 

grant her the asylum she needs.” 

******* 

A week had passed away, from the time of the 
strange scene just recorded. The former duke, Olga, 
had been convicted of treason, and was now on his way 
to the eternal wilds of Siberia. But let me say here : 
He never reached the land of his banishment. His 
proud heart broke on the road, and he died, unknown 
and uncared for, in a ]peasant’s cot among the rugged 
mountains of Uralia. He had begged of the oflicer 
who guarded him not to tell his station, and the 
peasants supposed they were burying a common trav- 
eler when they laid away the mortal remains of Olga 
in the cold grave they had prepared. 

Savotano, the hump-backed priest, was executed as a 
common murderer, while his companions in crime were 
punished as their various degrees of guilt demanded. 

And now comes the closing scene. 

Within the largest apartment of the ducal palace 
were assembled a brilliant company, and the emperor 
himself was master of the ceremonies. 

Buric Novel, the Gunmaker of Moscow, knelt at the 


CONCLUSION. 


195 


emperor’s feet ; and Peter drew his sword and laid the 
glittering blade upon Euric’s shoulders. And as he did 
so he said : 

Arise, Sir Kuric, Dulce of Tula, and receive thy 
just title and bonded instruments.” 

The youth arose, pale and trembling with the strange 
excitement of the moment, and then the emperor handed 
him a broad parchment roll, with its heavy seals and 
vignette bearing the arms of the dukedom. 

‘‘ Now,” cried Peter, whose brow was flushed with the 
joy he himself was making, “ let the rest of the work 
go on. Come, holy father, we need your help to per- 
form the rest of the ceremony.” 

Euric was pale no longer. As he felt the warm hand 
of Eosalind trembling within his own the rich blood 
mounted to his brow and temples, and in his dark eyes 
the strange love-light danced like reflected sunbeams. 

The word was spoken — the bond of union was made, 
and after all, Eosalind Yaldai had become Duchess of 
Tula. The widowed inother was the first to bless them — 
and the emperor came next. Then came Paul and Ze- 
nobie, hand in hand. 

“Aha,” spoke the happy duchess, as she caught the 
new light of Zenobie’s eye, and then turned to the glow- 
ing face of Paul, “ you are playing at the game of love.” 

“ You will not object,” whispered the fair girl, hiding 
her face upon the bosom of her mistress. 

“ No, no, Zenobie.” 

“And you, my master,” spoke Paul, ga2dng eagerly 
into Euric’s face, “you wull not say nay.” 

“ No, no, my noble Paul. If you can win her you 
may have my consent.” ^ 


) 


196 THE GUNMAKEii OF MOSCO^T. 

SLd was won already. 

There was yet one more to come. Conrad, Count 
Damonoff, somewhat pale and weak, but yet on the 
sui® road to health, moved slowly forward and took the 
hand of the joyous bride. Then he reached forth the 
other hand and took the palm of Ruric, and as he thus 
held both their hands, he said : 

‘ “ My lord and lady — and, I must say, my best friend 
— let this moment atone for all of darkness between us 
in the past. Be you happy both, and may God bless 
you. Let me be accounted among your friends, and let 
the future prove how grateful I can be.” 

“ Aye,” cried Ruric, grasping the count’s hand more 
firmly, “ let the future show how grateful we can all be 
for the blessings of this hour ; and while we look to 
God for help we will not fail to remember in our 
prayers the author of our joys — our noble emperor — 
Peter of Russia !” 

And so closed the scene as it should — with one long, 
loud shout of : 

“ God bless our emperor !” 

Peter never forgot that moment. In the long years 
thereafter, when he sometimes let the clouds of passion 
settle upon his soul, he remembered that scene and that 
shout. It was one of the bright spots in the memory 
oi his youth which he cherished always. 


THE END. 


{ 


GENIE GRANDEl 


VHANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH 09 


Honore' De Balzac. 


Eugenie Grandet ** is one of the greatest of novels. It is the 
history of a good woman. Every student of French is familiar 
with it, and an opportunity is now afforded to read it in a good 
English translation. The lesson of the book is the hideousness 
of the passion of the miser. Eugenie’s father is possessed by it 
in a degree of intensity probably unknown in America, and. to 
our public it will come as a revelation. What terrible suffering 
he inflicts upon his family by his ferocious economy and unscru- 
pulousness only Balzac’s matchless narrative could show. The 
beautiful nature of Eugenie shines like a meteor against the blacK 
background, and her self-sacrifice, her sufferings and her superb 
strength of character are wrought out, and the story brought to a 
climax, with the finest intellectual and literary pow. and dis- 
crimination, , , 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or .. nt, postpaid^ 
on receipt of price, by the publishers. 


I 


I 


COUSIN PONS. 


TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF 


HONORE DE BALZAC 


CMsin Pons is one of the most Interesting characters in the' 
whole range of Balzac’s wonderful creations, Balzac penetrated 
human nature to its depth. There is scarcely a type which 
evaded his keen eye. His characters are types of the living, 
human world swarming at his feet. His creations are as real as 
noble peaks standing out against an evening sky. In every one 
of Balzac’s novels there is a great human lesson. There is not a 
volume you can open which does not set forth some deep human 
truth by means of characterizations so vivid that they seem to 
breathe. So it is with “ Cousin Pons.” After reading it we, 
think of him not as a character in a novel, but as a personage — A) 
sweet and true soul — a simple enthusiast for art and beauty atj 
mercy of selhsh and vulgar harpicAi 


f 


DAVID LINDSAY; 

21 Squel to '‘©loria,** 


BY 

MRS. E. D. E. N. SOUTHWORTH, 

'Author of ‘‘ The Hidde7i Handf The Uitloved Wifef 
Lilith f Unkjtownf ‘‘A Leap in the Dark,” 

Nearest a7td Dearest f For Woman’s 

Love,” The Lost Lady of Lone,” 

** Gloria,” etc,, etc* 


WITM ILLUSTRATIONS BY T. A, CARTJCM. 


iSmo. 400 Fagres. Handsomely Bound in Cloth. Price, $1 .oqu 

Paper Cover, 60 Cents. 

In David Lindsay,” Mrs. Southworth has given a beautiful 
sequel to her charming novel “ Gloria.” The characters are 
ripened by trial and experience, and the continuation of their 
history is full of engrossing interest. There are a greater variety 
of incident and richer growth of character in this novel than in 
“ Gloria,” but the two should be read in connection in order 
fully to appreciate them both. The illustrations, by Mr. F. A. 
Carter, are admirable, and add much to the attractiveness of the 
book. 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent, ^ostpak 
''n ’•eceipt of price, by the publishers, 

ROBERT BONNER’S SONS, 
vOR. William and Spruce Streets, New Yo'' 




GLORIA 




21 jfooa. , 

By 

MRS. E. D. E. N. SOUTH WORTH, 

Author of The Hidden Handf The Unloved Wife^ 
Lilith f “ Unknown f A Leap in the Darkp* 
Nearest and Dearest,** For Woman* s 
Love,** “ The Lost Lady of Lone,** 

David Lindsay f* etc., etc. 


Tke heroine of this novel is one of the most interesting of Mrs. 
Southworth’s charming girls. She is almost as good as Capitola, 
the delightful madcap of ‘‘The Hidden Hand.” Her perfect 
naturalness and gayety are so winning that no one can read her 
history without loving her. The story is full of the charm of 
unsophisticated girlhood and womanhood. We are not claiming 
too much when we say that Mrs. Southworth is one of the most 
engaging writers of fiction that this country has produced. Her 
novels have a larger circulation among the people than those 
of any other American writer. She has the gift of making her 
stories interesting, and filling them with pleasant incidents and 
characters, so that when the reader has finished one he wants 
take up another. 

5for sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent, postpaid, 
CjI receipt of price, by the publishers. 


A New Novel by Mrs. Harriet LewiSy 


NEVA’S THREE LOVERS. 


wr 

MRS. HARRIET LEWIS, 

Author of Beatrix Rohan,'' Lady Kildare f ** Mtr 

Double Life," etc% 


Mrs. Le fvis*s new novel is one to interest every reader, young 
and old. It is a good story. The heroine is an unusual char- 
acter, and the plot and incidents in which she plays such an im- 
portant part excite in the mind of the reader a deep feeling ol 
admiration and of profound interest in her fortunes. The novels 
of Mrs. Lewis, beginning with “ Her Double Life,” have all en- 
joyed immense popularity. They furnish delightful reading and 
recreation, and the scenes described in such vivid language linger 
in the memory. Mus. Lewis was a great traveller, and visited the 
most picturesque and lovely portions of the Old World, and she 
used her experiencoe to entertain and delight her r^ctow&i. 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent, postpaiV^ 
0D receipt of price, by publisto^^ 


Another New Novel by Miss liibbey, 

FLORABEL’S LOVER, 


BV 

LAURA JEAN LIBBEY, 

Author of ** A Mad Betrothal f lonef Parted by FcUe^ 
“ We Parted at the Altar etc.^ etc. 


i 


Florabel’s Lover ” is a stoi/ of rival belles in a country vil* 
Mge. It is an interesting and true picture of woman’s life. 
Whatever criticism may say of Miss Libbey’s literary abilities, 
there is no question of her power to interest and charm the 
majority of American readers. Her stories deal with the charac- 
ters, scenes and incidents of our daily experience, and appeal 
with all the force of nature and truth to the heart. “ Florabel’s 
Lover ” is a love story. It is easy reading. It does not require 
any effort to understand it ; and once begun, it holds the reader’s 
interest to the end. 

For sale by all boolcsellers and newsdealers^ c*" senU 
paid^ OP receipt of price, by the publishers. i 


A NEW NOVEL 

3y the Popular Author, Mrs. Amelia E- 

THE BEADS OF TASMER. 

BY 

MRS. AMELIA E. BARR 


The Be'ads of Tasmer/* by Mrs. Amelia E. Barr, is a power- 
ful and interesting story of Scotch life. The singular and stren- 
uous ambition which a combination of ancient pride and modem 
greed inspires ; the loveliness of the Scotch maidens, both High- 
landers and Lowlanders ; the deep religious nature of the people ; 
the intense manifestaticn of these characteristic traits by Scotch 
lovers of high and low degree ; the picturesque life of the coun- 
try, involving the strangest vicissitudes of fortune and the exhibi- 
tion of the most loving and loyal devotion, constitute a theme 
which is of the highest intrinsic interest, and which is developed 
by the accomplished authoress with consummate art and irresist- 
ible power. “ The Beads of Tasmer ” is certainly one of Mrs. 
Barr’s very best works, and we shall be much mistaken if it does 
not take high rank among the most successful novels of the 
century. . . i 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, w sent, postpaid* 
on receipt of price, by the publishers. 


THE TWO HUSBANDS: 

OR, 

BURIED SECRETS. 


BV 

MRS. HARRIET LEWIS. 


Author qf H&t Double Life,^* ** Lady Kildare,'^ Edde^* 
Birthright,^’* ** Beryl's Hueba^d,^ etc. 


* This is one of the most interesting of Mrs. Lewis’s novels. It 
opens with the quest for an heiress. Some of the chapter-headings 
are full of suggestiveness, as, for instance : ‘‘The Night Before 
the Wedding,” “Husband and Wife,” “Affairs Take a Strange 
Turn,” “A Conflict,” “ Now for Revenge,” “ Explanations,” etc. 
There is a plot and strong situations, and abundance of incident 
and movement in the story. Mrs. Lewis never failed to write a 
novel that would hold the reader from the first to the last chapter 
and satisfy the desire for agreeable excitement. To all who have 
read and admired “Her Double Life” we recommend “The 
Two Husbands.” 

For sale by all booksellers and n»^wsdealers, or sent, post- 
paid, on receipt of price, by the publishers* 


i * 


THE COUNTRY DOCTOR 


^ NmcL! 

BT 

HONORE DE BALZAC, 

^ ** Cesar BirotteaUy' “ The Alchemist^** ** Cfiusin 
PonSy* ** Eugenie Grandei,** etc*, etc, 

TRAKfCATED FROM THE FRENCH BY MRS. FRBD. M. DBV, 


'*The Country Doctor” is one of Balzac^s greatest creations- 
It is the portrait of an ideal man in a situation where superiot 
ability and knowledge enable him to raise a whole community to 
a higher level of morality, prosperity and intelligence. It is a 
study in social science far more valuable than dull treatises and 
histories of social experiments. It is full of human interest and 
feeling and that wonderful realism which makes all of Balzac’s 
works like veritable stories of real life. The heroine is a creatuu 
of rare beauty and charm. 

For sale by all booksellers and ne%vsdealers, or sent, posfc 
paid, on receipt of price, by the publishers. 


A New Novel by Laura Jean Libbey 


E PARTED AT THE ALTAk 


NootL 


m 

LAURA JEAN LIBBEY, 

Authc^" c/ A Mad Betrothal.^''* lone,* ** Parted 

** FloriheVs Lover^* etc,, etc. 




TMs oeautiful and charming love story Is thoroughly charac- 
teristic of the author. It is all story from beginning to end. The 
gift of story-telling is not possessed in the highest degree even by 
some of the most celebrated novelists, but all who have enjoyed 
great popular success have possessed the gift of the old Arabian 
author of the Thousand and One Nights.” Miss Libbey is one 
of these fortunate ones, who has but to begin a story and thou- 
sands of readers follow her to the end. Her new story is one of 
fascinating interest, full of incident, variety and feeling, and gath- 
ering in intensity as it approaches conclusion. 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent, postpaid^ 
on receipt of price, by the publishers. 


4N AMERICAN HOVEL. 


Parted By Fate; 

Tha Mystery of Blad-Tor lighliiai^. 

B? LAURA LIBB£T« 

dmkat ^ lom,* A Mad 


Llbbey^s nov^ apf?6S£ to ^ as4 erndtSy to 

yiryng women* They are lively and sparkling, ahoLuOing in 
diarraiiig sentiment and with incidents soinected with courtship 
and marriage. There are so many complications possible in the 
Illations of lovers that invention would seem to be an end* 
less chain. Miss Libbey^s books are among the most popUiftf 
publications of the present time, and Parted by Fate*' a 
good example of the very best of them. 

For sale by ail BeekstOers, or sent, postpaid, ofi ^ 


BERYL’S HUSBAND. 


Mfts. Harriet Lewis. 


' Anther ^ Lady Kildare f'** Sundered Hearts^ 

Double Life,** etc. 


A very charming story. It opens on the shores of Lake Lernttfi, 
In the romantic city of Geneva, under the shadow of Mont Blanc. 
A young English girl, who has been educated at a boarding- 
school at Vevay, is suddenly left without natural guardians and 
means of support. Her beauty and interesting character attract 
a young English traveller, who induces her to run away with him 
and marry him. This is the beginning of a romantic novel of 
extraordinary vicissitudes and adventures. To give an analysis 
of the plot and situations would mar the interest of the reader. 
It is sufficient to say that it is equal to the best of Mrs. Lewis’s 
novels, not excepting “Her Double Life” and “Lady Kildare.” 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent, po^tr^aid, 
< A receipt of price, by the publish^. 





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